Association of candidate susceptible loci with chronic hepatitisB virus infection in a Chinese population

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: A number of genetic loci have been proposed to be associated with persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association and interaction of susceptible genes with HBV persistence in Chinese population. METHODS: Seventeen polymorphisms in 9 candidate genes were studied in 361 Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients (CHP group) and 304 spontaneously recovered individuals (SRI). Distribution frequencies of polymorphisms associated with disease were analyzed in healthy Chinese and Caucasian populations. Gene-gene interactions were tested by the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method. RESULTS: The TNF -308 G/G genotype and G allele, IL-10RB codon 47 A allele, and MCP-1 -2518 G/G genotype and G allele were more frequent in patients than controls (P < 0.01, after multiple corrections Pc < 0.05), while TNF -308 A/G genotype and IL-10 -592 A/A genotype were significantly higher in the SRI group than in the CHP group (Pc < 0.05). The distribution frequency of risk allele MCP-1 -2518 G and CTLA4 6230 G were much higher in Chinese than Caucasian groups (P < 0.001). An interaction between CCR5 -2459, TNFA -863, IL-10RB codon 47 and MCP-1 -2518 was detected by MDR (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that genetic determinants may affect the outcome of HBV infection in both independent and synergic manners.