New articles by NTU Hospital uncover the tie between metabolic abnormalities and the risk of mortality and cancer

Liver disease is a national health issue in Taiwan, closely tied to the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and C. The hepatitis research team, led by Vice Superintendent Jia-Horng Kao of National Taiwan University (NTU) Hospital, has focused on the treatment and study of hepatitis B and C with metabolic abnormalities. Two major research outcomes have recently been published in the prestigious international journal Journal of Hepatology, drawing significant attention from the global liver disease research community.

The latest research by Prof. Tung-Hung Su and Dr. Shang-Chin Huang reveals that patients with hepatitis B (HBV) who also have metabolic syndrome face a significantly higher mortality risk. However, if HBV patients have only simple fatty liver without other metabolic abnormalities, their long-term mortality rate is reduced by half. Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is also a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Prof. Chen-Hua Liu’s latest study shows that even after HCV patients are cured with effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, those with coexisting metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, obesity) still have a significantly higher risk of developing HCC compared to those without metabolic abnormalities. Therefore, for these patients, early intervention with medication or lifestyle changes to address metabolic abnormalities, along with regular HCC screening, is recommended. These findings provide new insights into the long-term health management of HCV patients, offering important clinical recommendations for treating metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and preventing HCC.

Metabolic abnormalities (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, overweight/obesity) have a significant impact on the health of liver disease patients. Thus, in addition to treating the hepatitis virus, timely management of metabolic syndrome, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and regularly monitoring liver function can help reduce the risk of complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, thereby improving prognosis. Prof. Jun-Ren Liu, Director of the Hepatitis Research Center at NTU Hospital, emphasizes that hepatitis patients should pay special attention to their health, including regular monitoring of liver function and ultrasound scans to detect cirrhosis and liver cancer early. At the same time, screening and controlling metabolic abnormalities are critical. If abnormalities in blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight, or lipid levels are detected, patients should seek medical attention promptly and follow their doctor’s advice for lifestyle adjustments and treatment.

Full research articles:

• https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(24)02763-6/fulltext
• https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(24)02578-9/fulltext