Hepatitis C virus seropositivity, but not hepatitis B virus carrier or seropositivity, associated with increased pulse wave velocity

Immune mechanisms have important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the association of pulse wave velocity (PWV) with either hepatitis C or B. In 7514 subjects, we determined the PWV, as well as the plasma levels of hepatitis B virus antigen and antibody and of hepatitis C virus antibody. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that seropositivity for hepatitis C virus was a significant variable for PWV independent from atherosclerotic risk factors. Thus, hepatitis C virus seropositivity was associated with increased PWV.