THE PLASMA LEVEL OF BETATROPHIN IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE AND INSULIN RESISTANCE

Abstract

The liver is a vital organ in the body, essential for continuity of life, as it is responsible for the synthesis of proteins and coagulation factors, it’s responsible for metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fat soluble vitamins, as well as detoxification of toxins and drugs. Chronic liver injury of various etiologies leads to fibrosis which in turns leads to liver cirrhosis. Liver stellate cells has a major role in the fibrosis process. Liver Cirrhosis is one of the most common diseases in Egypt, of huge burden to the Egyptian society and it's also one of the most common causes of death. Insulin resistance (IR) defined as a condition in which a higher insulin concentration needed to achieve normal glucose metabolism; or when a normal insulin concentration fails to achieve normal glucose metabolism. Chronic injury to the liver leads to chronic disturbance in glucose metabolism and mainly Insulin Resistance. Various causes have been identified to cause insulin resistance in cirrhotic patients this has been including hepatic parenchymal cell damage, portal-systemic shunting and hepatitis C virus are responsible for the development of hepatogenous insulin resistance. Betatrophine was found by previous studies to be secreted by the liver in Insulin resistance states, the former is a novel secreted hormone identified primarily in mice in insulin resistance state.