Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and insulin resistance in chronic viral hepatitis B in Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Aim: Previous studies have reported manifestations other than liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), with specific reports of incidental type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed at determining the impact of CHB disease on insulin resistance and its correlation with tumor necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α). Methods: Seventy CHB patients aged 18–55 years attending a tertiary hospital were selected as study group subjects and anthropometrically matched with 65 apparently healthy controls. Blood pressure (BP), body mass index (BMI), TNF-alpha, fasting serum insulin (FSI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured in both study and control group subjects. Results: There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between the mean systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, age, and body mass index of CHB and controls. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in TNF‑α, fasting plasma glucose, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‑IR) in CHB than the controls. There was a significant (P < 0.01) direct correlation between TNF‑α and HOMA‑IR (r = 0.534), TNF‑α and fasting serum insulin (r = 0.509) in CHB patients. Conclusion: CHB infection induces insulin resistance with TNF‑α mediating the insulin resistance. In terms of effective management, CHB patients may need to be monitored for the occurrence of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus.