Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C patients

Abstract

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy worldwide. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms were linked to different cancers. This study was carried out to assess the possible relation between VDR gene polymorphism and the occurrence of HCC in chronic hepatitis C patients. This study included 102 subjects classified into three groups. Group A included 34 healthy subjects as control. Group B included 34 chronic hepatitis C patients with HCC. Group C included 34 chronic hepatitis C patients without HCC. Estimation of Apa-1 VDR gene polymorphism was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism-Polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). Results In HCC group, C allele was more frequent than A allele (80.88% and 19.12%), respectively. In chronic hepatitis group, C allele was more frequent than A allele (64.71% and 35.29%), respectively. In control group, A allele was more frequent than C allele (73.53% and 26.47%), respectively. Genotype CC + CA was dominant in HCC group (91.18%) and chronic hepatitis group (79.41%). In the control group, the dominant genotype was AA (58.82%). Moreover, there was a significant relation between Apa-1 VDR genotype CC and tumor size. Conclusions There is an association between VDR Apa-1 polymorphism and the occurrence of HCC in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Gene Polymorphisms and Biological Effects of Vitamin D Receptor on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Development and Progression

“…Polymorphisms in the VDR gene were also associated with the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD [8] and with liver enzyme activity in NAFLD patients treated with calcitriol [9]. An association between VDR gene polymorphisms and NAFLD-related liver complications, including steatosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, was reported [10][11][12]. It is possible that VDR plays a genetic and biological role in the pathophysiology of NAFLD that remains to be elucidated.…”

Association of Vitamin D Gene Polymorphisms With HCV Infection Outcome

“…Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play an important part in genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and growth factor ligands and receptors, including that for vitamin D (VDR). This intracellular hormone receptor affects cell growth and differentiation, embryonic development, and metabolic homeostasis by binding to the biologically active form of vitamin D. VDR is also essential for cell signaling pathways, which play a role in the development of many cancers ( 9 ).…”