Using chemerin and vaspin as non-invasive methods in diagnosing and monitoring chronic hepatitis C infection
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection represents a healthcare problem in Iraq and worldwide. Early infection diagnosis ameliorates the disease’s natural course and reduces morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to illustrate the connection between chemerin and vaspin in incessant hepatitis C disease. A cross-sectional investigation was completed in Kirkuk city from January to May 2019, which included 50 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and 30 age and gender-matched controls. As a result, patients with chronic HCV had significantly (P<0.05) higher mean serum levels of chemerin than controls. In contrast, the mean serum level of vaspin was significantly (P<0.05) lower in patients with chronic HCV infection compared to controls. Chemerin’s mean serum level was higher in grade 4 liver cirrhosis, while the lowest level was in those without cirrhosis (grade 0). However, the mean serum vaspin level increased with the grading of cirrhosis but declined in grade 4 to a level lower than that of stage 1. (P<0.05). Alanine aminotransferase transaminase serum levels were positively correlated with chemerin and vaspin serum levels. In conclusion, chemerin and vaspin serum levels may be used to monitor and predict stage liver fibrosis in chronic HCV.