Significantly Decreased Islet Cell Function is Closely Associated with Hyperglycemia in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients.

AIM

This study is aimed at the characteristics of glucose metabolism and islet cell function evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment of cell function (HOMA-) value and its risk factors in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study recruited 110 CHB patients (CHB group) and 110 patients without hepatitis B virus (non-HBV group); the groups were matched according to sex, age, and body mass index under the same glucose metabolism status. The risk factors, characteristics, and differences in glucose metabolism and HOMA- values between the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The abnormal glucose metabolism rate was higher in CHB patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) or hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) (-) status. In addition, under the same glucose metabolism status, the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2h-PG) levels in the CHB group were higher, while the HOMA- values were significantly lower and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value was not higher than that in the non-HBV group (all < 0.0001). Further analyses revealed that the main risk factors for abnormal glucose metabolism were HBeAg (-) status and hepatitis B envelope antibody levels. But HBV serological and virological indicators had no effects on the HOMA- values.

CONCLUSION

Islet cell function in patients with CHB was compromised, which is closely associated with fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia in chronic hepatitis B patients. Further research should be done to verify the compromised islet cell function and then to investigate the mechanisms behind the effect of hepatitis B virus infection on islet cell function in CHB patients.