Insulin Resistance in HCV Infection

Open to people ages 18-60

for HCV participants:

• Male or female patients between 18 and 60 years of age
• Body mass index (BMI) > 20 Kg/m2
• Serologic evidence of hepatitis C infection by anti-HCV antibody
• Detectable plasma HCV-RNA
• Compensated liver disease with the following minimum biochemical parameters: prothrombin time < 2 seconds prolonged compared to control and bilirubin < 3 mg/dL
• Willingness to provide informed consent

Inclusion criteria for healthy Latino volunteers (without HCV infection):

-Same inclusion criteria as above except no evidence of HCV infection (anti-HCV antibody negative)

Inclusion criteria for participation in 6-week alcohol abstinence follow-up testing:

-Latinos who are moderate1 alcohol drinkers (1NIAAA definition: female: no more than 3 drinks on any day & no more than 7 drinks per week; male: no more than 4 drinks on any day and no more than 14 drinks per week).

Steady-State Plasma Glucose < 180 mg/dL

• Hepatitis B or HIV infection
• Subjects with liver disease other than that caused by HCV
• Known history of diabetes, or fasting plasma glucose concentration >126 mg/dl
• Known history of cirrhosis of the liver, as well as individuals with decompensated liver disease such as those with ascites, variceal bleeding, and encephalopathy
• Known history of pancreatitis
• Prior or current treatment for HCV
• Heavy alcohol use (>80 g/d)
• Subjects of lipid lowering agents, steroid/ anabolic therapy
• Significant medical illness that would interfere with the completion of the study

Exclusion criteria for healthy (non HCV) Latino volunteers:

-Same as above, including subjects with HCV infection