Ghrelin hormone in relation to loss of weight in hepatitis C infected patients on interferon therapy

Abstract

Hepatitis C treatment is improved dramatically after the introduction of pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) and ribavirin therapy and it reportedly eradicates the virus in 50% HCV positive patients. However, a number of side effects are associated with the therapy, which may ultimately lead to dose reduction or even discontinuation of therapy. Weight loss is a well established side effect associated with interferon therapy and majority of the patients on interferon therapy reportedly suffers from mild to moderate weight loss. In HCV patients, weight loss and tissue wasting are common, and particularly are highly prevalent in the advance stages of the disease. The researchers have reported causes of weight loss with interferon therapy which include: malnutrition, anorexia, infection, depression, thyroid dysfunction, changes in glucose metabolism, induction of tumor necrosis factor, changes in serum leptin and ghrelin, mitochondrial damage and perhaps an HCV induced hypermetabolic states. The aim of the study was to find and clarify the relation between serum Ghrelin hormone and weight loss in hepatitis C infected patients on interferon therapy  Summary - 121 - therapy with minimal or no effect on appetite and on weight. The current study found that ghrelin positively correlates with body mass index (BMI) and weight. Once the ghrelin is decreased the appetite suppresses and the patients loose weight and BMI will affected. Early virological response occurred in group (I) patients; the decrease in weight was accompanied with decrease in PCR >2 log at week 12. From these results, it could be concluded that weight loss during INF therapy could be associated EVR. On the other hand group II who had non weight loss not had improved EVR. The current study found positive correlation between serum ghrelin and post prandial blood glucose. The study found no correlation between serum ghrelin and liver function test, blood picture, degree of liver damage.