Handgrip Strength and Vitamin D as Predictors of Liver Fibrosis and Malnutrition in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Figure 2

Handgrip strength, muscle mass parameters (MAC, TSF, and MAMC), and related HCV markers and liver fibrosis markers in healthy control and CHC patients based on different nutritional assessment scores; SGA scores (A: well nourished; B: moderately malnourished; C: severely malnourished). (a) HGS scores were significantly reduced in CHC patients with severe () and moderate () malnutrition compared to those of the normal nutrition () and control groups, respectively. (b) Muscle mass indices (MAC, ; TSF, ; and MAMC; ) showed significant reduction in all CHC patients with normal and malnutrition SGA scores compared to control subjects with normal nutrition scores. (c) The levels of HYP, HA, and FN as markers of liver fibrosis were significantly increased in CHC patients with A (), B (), and C () nutritional SGA scores compared to healthy controls. (d) HCV-RNA (IU/mL) and HCV viral load as related HCV markers were significantly highly expressed in CHC patients with moderate (SAG B score; ) and severe (SAG C score; ) malnutrition compared to those who were well nourished (SAG A score). MAC: midarm circumference in cm; TSF: triceps skin fold thickness in mm; MAMC: midarm muscle circumference in mm; CHC patients: chronic hepatitis C patients; HYP: hydroxyproline; HA: hyaluronic acid; FN: fibronectin; SGA: subjective global assessment; A: well nourished; B: moderately malnourished; C: severely malnourished.

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