Impact of weight reduction on selected immune system response among Hepatitis C virus Saudi patients

BACKGROUND: Recently, about 2.35% of the world populations are estimated to be chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Previous cohort studies indicated that obesity increases risk of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in non-diabetic patients with chronic hepatitis C infection due to diminished response to anti-viral therapy and as a result obesity is considered as an important factor in the progression of chronic HCV. However, there is a strong association between BMI and the human immune system among HCV patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine effects of weight reduction program on selected immune parameters among HCV Saudi patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred obese Saudi patients with chronic HCV infection participated in this study, their age ranged from 50–58 years and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 30–35 kg/m(2). All Subjects were included in two groups: The first group received weight reduction program in the form of treadmill aerobic exercises in addition to diet control whereas, the second group received no therapeutic intervention. Parameters of CD3, CD4 and CD8 were quantified; Leukocyte, differential counts and BMI were measured before and after 3 months, at the end of the study. RESULTS: The mean values of BMI, white blood cells, total neutrophil count, monocytes, CD3, CD4 and CD8 were significantly decreased in the training group as a result of weight loss program; however the results of the control group were not significant. Also, there were significant differences between both groups at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: Weight loss modulates immune system parameters of patients with HCV.