Published online Jan 28, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1461
Peer-review started: June 4, 2015
First decision: July 14, 2015
Revised: August 14, 2015
Accepted: October 23, 2015
Article in press: October 26, 2015
Published online: January 28, 2016
Core tip: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is thought to cause hypolipidemia, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Its life cycle depends on host cholesterol metabolism. HCV core protein and nonstructural protein 5A perturb crucial metabolic pathways. Many cross-sectional studies have demonstrated increased cardiometabolic risks in HCV patients. Utilizing anti-HCV therapy, most cohort studies have demonstrated the favorable effects of HCV clearance in attenuating cardiometabolic risks. Adipose tissue is an important endocrine organ due to its release of adipocytokines, which strongly regulate metabolism. A comprehensive overview of HCV-associated metabolic and adipocytokine alterations, from bench to bedside, is presented in this topic highlight.