Adiponectin: A biomarker for chronic hepatitis C?

Cytokine. 2017 Jan:89:27-33. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.10.016. Epub 2015 Dec 10.

Abstract

Adiponectin, a hormone primarily synthesized and secreted by adipose tissue, plays a pivotal role in lipid metabolism. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is characterized by disordered lipid metabolism, which may potentially evolve into steatosis over a period of time. A growing body of evidence appears to link decreased adiponectin plasma levels with severe CHC-related steatosis, which suggests a potential role of this adipokine as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for clinical application. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the current status of adiponectin research in the context of CHC, concentrating predominantly on its roles in CHC, and its potential relevance as a biomarker for CHC.

Keywords: Adiponectin; Biomarker; Chronic hepatitis C.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiponectin / blood*
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Fatty Liver / blood
  • Fatty Liver / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / blood*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Humans

Substances

  • ADIPOQ protein, human
  • Adiponectin
  • Biomarkers