HFE hemochromatosis gene polymorphism and porphyria cutanea tarda

Abstract

Purpose. To study the frequency of genotypes and alleles of C282Y and H63D mutations in the HFE gene in patients with porphyria cutanea tarde of the West Siberian region and their influence on the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the disease. Materials and methods. We observed 14 patients with porphyria cutanea tarde (PCT), who underwent a comprehensive general clinical and instrumental examination. The indicators of the excretory profile of porphyrin metabolism indicators were purposefully determined, a molecular genetic examination was carried out to determine the genotypes and alleles of the C282Y and H63D mutations of the hemochromatosis gene HFE. Results and discussion. Molecular genetic research found that the HFE gene mutation was found in 7 patients (50.0%). Polymorphism for the C282Y allele was found in 2 (14.3%) patients, and for the H63D allele - in 5 patients (35.7%). Risk factors for the manifestation of PCT included frequent alcohol consumption and chronic HCV infection. Genotype 1b was recorded more often (9 people), less often - genotype 3a (4 people). The excretory profile of porphyrin metabolism indices in patients of both groups exceeded the control values. Porphyrin metabolism parameters in patients without HFE gene mutations were significantly higher than those in patients without HFE gene mutations. Conclusions. Polymorphism of the hemochromatosis gene HFE in PCT was detected in 50% of patients. The most common mutation was the H63D allele. The level of porphyrin metabolism disorders in patients with HFE hemochromatosis gene mutations is significantly lower. The clinical picture of PCT in all observed patients did not differ. Chronic viral hepatitis C is assessed as a risk factor for the manifestation of PCT.