Association between chronic hepatitis B infection and metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: The association between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains inconclusive. This study was designed to determine the association between CHB infection and MetS among the US population with updated data and adjustments for a comprehensive set of risk factors. Methods: Adults aged 18 years or older who were clinically assessed for Hepatitis B and MetS from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004, 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2011–2012, and 2013–2014 cycles were included in the study (N = 53,392,666). MetS was defined according to the NCEP/ATP III guideline. CHB was identified by the seropositivity of Hepatitis B surface antigen and core antibody in the absence of Hepatitis B surface antibody. Rao-Scott χ 2 test and logistic regressions were employed in the analyses. Results: MetS was less prevalent among adults with CHB compared to adults without CHB (12.1% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.073). In adjusted analyses, adults with CHB were 48% less likely to have MetS compared to those without CHB (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.29–0.94). Regarding individual component of MetS, CHB was inversely associated with high waist circumference (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.21–0.49) and hypoalphalipoproteinemia (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25–0.91). No association between CHB and other metabolic components were found. Conclusions: CHB was inversely associated with MetS, high waist circumference, and hypoalphalipoproteinemia. No significant association was found between CHB and other MetS components.