TNF-α is associated with low phase angle in male patients with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND

The potential role of Phase angle (PhA) as a biomarker of systemic inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between PhA values and the inflammatory marker-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‑α) in patients with CHC. In addition, associations between PhA and a set of demographics, clinical, nutritional, and biochemical data were evaluated.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 81 adults with confirmed CHC (72.8% male; mean age 50.0 ± 11.7 y; 30.9% with liver cirrhosis). Nutritional status and body composition were assessed using anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Reduced PhA was defined as ≤5.6° for men and ≤5.4° for women. Serum TNF-α concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), including 81 and 39 samples from patients with CHC and healthy donors, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between PhA and inflammatory, demographic, clinical, nutritional, and biochemical variables.

RESULTS

Reduced PhA was observed in 14.8% of participants. Among male patients, reduced PhA was independently associated with elevated TNF-α levels (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.06-1.39). However, no significant associations were found in the female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Male patients with CHC who present lower PhA values also exhibit elevated TNF‑α levels, independent of liver disease stage. Given the clinical relevance of identifying systemic inflammation and nutritional risk in this population, integrating a practical and reliable screening tool, such as PhA, into routine care may provide substantial value in health care settings.