Relationship between anti-HCV, anti-HBe, HBeAg, HIV p24 antigen, triglyceride-glucose index, and associated genetic polymorphisms

Abstract

Abstract Background Chronic viral infections such as Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and HIV can disrupt lipid and glucose metabolism, increasing cardiometabolic risk. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a simple marker of insulin resistance. This study examined the relationship between viral serological markers, TyG index, and related genetic polymorphisms in Warri, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults (18–65 years) recruited from Nigerian Navy Hospital Warri and Central Hospital Warri. Participants included individuals positive for anti-HCV, anti-HBe, HBeAg, or HIV p24 antigen, as well as seronegative controls. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for triglycerides (540 nm) and fasting plasma glucose (505 nm), and the TyG index was calculated as ln [TG (mg/dL) × FPG (mg/dL)/2]. Genotyping of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) polymorphisms was performed by PCR and sequencing. Serological markers were assessed using ELISA kits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and logistic regression at p < 0.05. Results Seropositivity rates were: anti-HCV (18.0%), HBeAg (14.5%), anti-HBe (22.5%), and HIV p24 (12.0%). Seropositive participants had significantly higher TyG indices (p < 0.05). APOE ε4 and CETP TaqIB variants were associated with elevated TyG (OR = 2.15 and 2.98, respectively). Conclusion Viral seropositivity was linked to higher TyG index values, and genetic variants may further amplify this risk. Integrating metabolic monitoring into viral infection management is recommended.