Although not associated with the metabolic syndrome, HCV is linked with impaired insulin signalling, insulin resistance, hypocholesterolemia
and steatosis which represent a distinct HCV-associated dysmetabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance affects the development
of diabetes, fibrosis, impaired response to antivirals and perhaps hepatocellular carcinoma risk. HCV infection is associated
with hypocholesterolemia and steatosis reversible after sustained virologic response. A “viral”, and a “metabolic” steatosis
exist as function of viral genotypes. Little is known about the possible role of HCV in further components of the metabolic
syndrome such as atherosclerosis, obesity, arterial hypertension, hyperuricemia and thrombotic risk factors.
Keywords Fibrosis - Ferritin - Hypobetalipoproteinemia - HCV - Hepatocellular carcinoma - Insulin resistance - Interferon - Metabolic syndrome - Ribavirin - Steatosis - Type 2 diabetes