<p>Association of <em>IFNL3</em> rs12979860 polymorphism with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility in a Chinese population</p>

Abstract

BackgroundThe association between interferon lambda-3 (IFNL3，also known as interleukin 28B, IL28B) rs12979860 polymorphism and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been investigated in recent studies with inconclusive and inconsistent results. IFNL3 rs12979860 polymorphism has been shown a marked differential distribution with regional and ethnic variation. Whether this single nucleotide polymorphism influences susceptibility to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC remains elusive.MethodsIn this case–control study, a total of 157 Chinese Han patients with chronic HCV infection were enrolled, including 62 HCV-related HCC patients and 95 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients without HCC, and the genetic polymorphism of IFNL3 rs12979860 was genotyped via a DNA microarray-based assay. The logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the correlation between the genetic polymorphism and risk of HCV-related HCC.ResultsA higher proportion of CT/TT genotype and T allele was observed in HCC patients compared to the CHC group. Under the genetic model of allele frequency, the T allele was associated with elevated risk of HCV-related HCC in the Chinese population compared to C allele after an adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, HCV infection duration, and HCV genotypes (P=0.046). In the subgroup analysis stratified by HCV genotype, subjects with CHC genotype 1b infection carrying rs12979860 T allele and CT+TT genotype had higher susceptibility to HCC than those with C allele and CC genotype (P=0.020, P=0.037, respectively).ConclusionIFNL3 rs12979860 polymorphism with T allele could be a factor that increases the risk of HCV-related HCC in the Chinese population, especially those subjects with CHC genotype 1b infection.

Molecular and genetic markers in hepatocellular carcinoma: In silico analysis to clinical validation (current limitations and future promises)

“…As compared to the C allele, where the prevalence in CLD versus HCC groups was 30% and 50%, respectively, but the differences between the groups were not significant[ 42 ]. Our results were similar to a recent study conducted on the Chinese population, which found that the T allele was associated with a higher risk of HCV-related HCC[ 43 ]. A recent meta-analysis found a strong correlation between IL-28B genetic polymorphism and HCC association with HBV or HCV infection, where CC and TT genotypes of certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-28B were protective against HCC occurrence[ 44 ].…”

Associations of Hydroxysteroid 17-beta Dehydrogenase 13 Variants with Liver Histology in Chinese Patients with Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease

“…In one Chinese MAFLD cohort, researchers found that the neurocan (known as NCAN ) rs2228603 T variant associated with a higher level of high-density lipoprotein, 21 while it was positively related to liver steatosis in the USA population. 22 Similarly, toll-like receptor 3 (known as TLR3 ) rs3775290 23 , 24 and interferon lambda-3 (known as IFNL3 ) rs12979860 25 , 26 variants in Chinese hepatocellular carcinoma populations showed opposite effects to those in non-Asian populations. Inconsistent results have also been observed in other Asian populations, such as among Japanese.…”

Current and Emerging Molecular Markers of Liver Diseases: A Pathogenic Perspective

“… 28 A study on IL-28 genetic polymorphisms revealed the association of the T allele with higher risk of HCC development. 29 Another study revealed that two genotypes of certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-28 were associated with lower risk of HCC development. 30 Thus, the role of IL28 in diagnosing and prognosticating HCC appears unclear, if not contradictory.…”