BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN SERUM LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS IN Viral C HEPATITIS PATIENTS

Serum lipids and lipoproteins were determined in 20 patients with chronic viral C hepatitis as well as 10 volunteers. Liver functions were also performed. Results of the present study showed that there is a significant increase in both total and direct bilirubin (TB & DB). Total proteins and albumin (TP & Alb) showed significant decrease. Liver enzymes; Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also significantly increased. Total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) showed significant decrease. Apolipopratein fractions (Apo A₁ and Apo B) showed significant decrease. There was a negative correlation between Apo A₁, and both TB and ALT. Apo B showed also a negative correlation with TB. This study clarified that patients with hepatitis C virus showed a significant decrease in serum lipids, hence they are less susceptible for atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases.