Lipid metabolism alterations produced by hepatitis C virus in patients with chronic infection

Abstract

Background: Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known to generate an apparently favorable lipid profile. Paradoxically, these patients present an increase in concomitant cardiovascular events. The objectives of the present review were to analyze and synthesize studies that inquired into the changes produced by hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the lipid metabolism of patients with chronic infection, and about whether these modifications can be associated with subsequent episodes of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in the Medline and Scopus databases of the articles published from January 2008 to February 2019. A total of 901 publications were identified, of which 10 studies that fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were reviewed. Results: It was found that the levels of total cholesterol and its lipid fractions were decreased in patients with chronic HCV infection. There was no clear association with triglyceride levels. In addition, there seemed to be an association between chronic HCV infection and an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: Chronic HCV infection has a lipid-lowering effect and increases cardiovascular risk. Prospective studies are needed to analyze the effect of new therapies with direct-acting antivirals on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk.