Association between the hepatitis B and C viruses and metabolic diseases in patients stratified by age

Background Hepatitis B/C viruses cause liver disease and metabolic disturbances. Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between hepatitis B/C infection and metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods In total, 26 305 subjects were included in this multicentre, cross‐sectional study. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, body mass index and waist circumference were measured. Total cholesterol, high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose and uric acid were determined, and hepatitis B serum antigen (HBsAg) and anti‐HCV antibodies were assayed using commercial kits. Results MS was diagnosed in 2712 (23.0%) females, including 131 and 166 positive for HBsAg and anti‐HCV respectively. In the men, 4594 (31.6%) were diagnosed with MS, including 326 positive for HBsAg and 131 positive for anti‐HCV. No significant difference in the prevalence of MS was identified in any group, except men and women >45 years who were anti‐HCV positive. Various metabolic alterations in both men and women >45 years were noted, including waist circumference, body mass index, fasting blood glucose and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Notably, high‐ and low‐density lipoproteins were significantly lower in positive subjects compared to those weakly positive and/or negative for anti‐HCV. Conclusions There were obvious metabolic derangements in patients coinflicted with MS and hepatitis C infections, particularly those >45 years of age. There is a pressing need to identify strategies to improve/resolve metabolic derangements to maximize sustained virological response rates in patients infected with HCV (and potentially HBV).