Hepatology Research (OnlineEarly Articles).
doi:10.1111/j.1872-034X.2007.00152.x

Abstract
Original Article
Hepatic iron accumulation may be associated with insulin resistance in
patients with chronic hepatitis C
Yoshio Sumida , Kazuyuki Kanemasa , Kohei Fukumoto , Naohisa Yoshida and
Kyoko Sakai Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara City
Hospital, Nara, Japan
Dr Yoshio Sumida, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nara City
Hospital, Higashi Kidera-cho1-50-1, Nara 630-8305, Japan. Email:
sumida@...
Part of this work was presented at the 9th General Meeting of the Japanese
Society of Hepatology held on 5 October 2005 in Kobe, Japan.

Abstract
Background/Aim: Insulin resistance and hepatic iron overload are frequently
demonstrated in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases. We
investigated the relationship between insulin resistance and hepatic iron
deposition in patients with chronic HCV infection.

Methods: Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostasis model
assessments for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in 56 non-diabetic non-obese
patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis C. The relationship between
insulin resistance and serum ferritin levels or the grade of hepatic iron
deposition was assessed.

Results: The levels of plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and HOMA-IR were
significantly correlated with serum ferritin levels and the grade of hepatic
iron deposition (P = 0.003).Although IRI and HOMA-IR increased in parallel
with the development of hepatic fibrosis, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 2)
was observed in 11 (26.2%) of 42 patients even without severe fibrosis
(F0–2). Among patients without severe fibrosis, IRI and HOMA-IR were
significantly higher in patients with iron deposits than in those without
iron deposits.

Conclusion: Hepatic iron overload may be associated with insulin resistance
in patients with chronic hepatitis C, especially in patients with mild to
moderate fibrosis.

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