Pegylated-Interferon and Ribavirin Plus Metformin in the Treatment of Chronic HCV Infection and Insulin Resistance

Summary

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with an increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and HCV infection itself may promote insulin resistance, irrespective of the severity of liver disease. Insulin resistance seems to be genotype specific and may play a role in fibrogenesis in chronic hepatitis C. In an "in vitro" model, increased levels of insulin may promote increased HCV replication. RATIONALE Decreased insulin resistance and reduced hyperinsulinemia may facilitate the efficacy of anti-viral drugs on HCV replication.

Timeline

Start

2006-09

Primary completion

—

Completion

2009-01

Publications

• Background Romero-Gomez M, Del Mar Viloria M, Andrade RJ, Salmeron J, Diago M, Fernandez-Rodriguez CM, Corpas R, Cruz M, Grande L, Vazquez L, Munoz-De-Rueda P, Lopez-Serrano P, Gila A, Gutierrez ML, Perez C, Ruiz-Extremera A, Suarez E, Castillo J. Insulin resistance impairs sustained response rate to peginterferon plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients. Gastroenterology. 2005 Mar;128(3):636-41. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2004.12.049.

Drugs

Indications