Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Eradication on Metabolic Parameters: A Study of Adiponectin and Insulin Sensitivity

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern. It is linked to dysregulated glucose homeostasis, involving insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes, and disrupts lipid metabolism, leading to subsequent changes in adipokines. Aims: To assess the effects of HCV eradication using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on metabolic alterations in chronic HCV patients. Methods: Fifty patients with chronic HCV scheduled to receive DAA therapy were enrolled. At 12 weeks post-therapy, all patients attained sustained virological response (SVR), defined as undetectable HCV RNA by PCR. Serum adiponectin and insulin resistance, assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA‑IR), were evaluated at baseline and 24 weeks following the end of treatment (EOT). Results: By 24 weeks after EOT, fasting glucose decreased from 101 ± 12 mg/dL to 85 ± 8.6 mg/dL (p = 0.001). Fasting insulin decreased from 23 μIU/mL to 14 μIU/mL (p = 0.006). HOMA‑IR decreased from 5.1 to 2.6 (p < 0.001). Adiponectin increased from 114.5 ng/mL to 350 ng/mL (p < 0.001). Conclusions: HCV eradication with DAAs achieved not only viral clearance but also significant metabolic improvement, particularly in insulin resistance and adiponectin. These findings provide additional regional evidence of improved insulin sensitivity after cure.