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