Polymorphisms in interleukin-10 and interleukin-28B genes in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 4 and their effect on the response to pegylated interferon/ribavirin-therapy

Impact of IL-10 gene promoter polymorphisms on treatment response in HCV patients: A systematic review, a meta-analysis, and a meta-regression

The impact of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene promoter polymorphisms (SNPs) on treatment response in HCV patients was dissimilarly estimated. Hence, the aim of this meta-analysis was to robustly assess the effect of IL-10 SNPs on treatment response in HCV patients. An electronic literature search was carried out through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, and Scopus databases. Studies assessing the association between IL-10 polymorphisms and treatment response in HCV patients were included. Studies were excluded if genotype frequencies are not consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) or in case of including patients with hepatitis B virus coinfection. Risk of bias in included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were performed for the influence of IL-10 gene promoter SNPs (rs1800896 (-1082 A/G), rs1800871 (-819 C/T), and rs1800872 (-592 C/T)) and haplotypes on treatment response in HCV patients. Subgroup analyses, meta-regressions, publication bias assessment, and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Overall, 32 studies with a total of 5943 HCV cases and 2697 controls were included in the present study. The -1082*G allele was significantly associated with increased risk of non-response (NR) to treatment, OR [95% CI] = 1.29 [1.1-1.51], p = .002. Besides, the rs1800872 -592*C allele was significantly associated with increased NR risk, OR [95% CI] = 1.22 [1.02-1.46], p = .03. Subgroup analysis showed that this association remained significant only in patients treated with PEG-IFN alone, p = .01. The -1082*G/-819*C/-592*C (GCC) haplotype was significantly associated with increased NR risk, OR [95% CI] = 1.62 [1.13-2.23], p = .009. Our results suggest that the IL-10 rs1800896 was associated with NR risk especially in North-African and Asian populations. Moreover, the IL-10 gene promoter -1082*G/-819*C/-592*C (GCC) haplotype which has been associated with higher production of IL-10, was significantly associated with increased NR risk.

Impact of IL-28B gene polymorphism on chronic hepatitis-C patients progression with diabetes and non-diabetes

Background

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a silent viral infection; however, elevated mortality and morbidity rates are noted in Egypt due to its adverse effects. The augmented incidence of diabetes in patients with viral C infection may be owing to glucose intolerance, high BMI, senility, and inherited factors.

Purpose of the study

Little information is available about the connection between interleukin-28B (IL-28B) genotype in disease progression among CHC patients with diabetes. Thus, we aimed to assess the association between IL-28B genotype (rs12979860) in CHC with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) versus those without diabetes in disease progression among Egyptian patients.

Results

CC genotype was significantly lower in diabetics than in non-diabetics (13.7% vs. 36.3%). While (CT/TT) were significantly higher in diabetics than in non-diabetics (CT 58.8% vs. 43.7%), (TT 27.5% vs. 20%) (p = 0.03) and likewise alleles (p = 0.04). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was significant with viral load p < 0.001, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) p < 0.001, genotype CC versus TT p = 0.04 & T2DM p = 0.03.

Conclusion

CC genotype might be used as a protective factor and TT genotype as a risk factor in disease progression among CHC patients with T2DM. Additionally, viral load, ALT & T2DM might interplay as predictors of disease severity. Detecting the genetic factors can be helpful in predicting and preventing the complications of diabetes associated with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Predictive power of Interleukin-28B gene variants for outcome of Hepatitis C Virus genotype 4 in Egyptians: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

An advanced liver fibrosis did not abolish an Egyptian ethnicity as a favourable predictor for hepatitis C genotype 4 (HCV-GT4) outcome, that raises genetic issues.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Multiple databases were searched from inception up to 1 April, 2020 for all studies included Egyptians, whose were genotyped for Interleukin-28B (IL-B28) in the setting of HCV. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) were based on a fixed or random effect model as appropriate.

RESULTS

In total, 33 studies included 5,538 Egyptians from 9 governorates. Of these, 4088 patients had chronic HCV-GT4, 373 resolvers (spontaneously cleared the virus), and 1077 non-infected subjects. The pooled prevalence of CC and CT/TT rs12979860 genotypes among chronic HCV-GT4 were 32%, and 68%, respectively. The pooled sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved in 54% of 2,622 patients received Pegylated-interferon and Ribavirin. Compared with chronic HCV-infected patients, the favorable CC genotype was over-represented in the healthy subjects (30% vs. 45%), and HCV resolvers (28% vs. 59%). The CC genotype carriers were two-times more likely to resist HCV infection (vs.

CT/TT

OR=1.93, P<0.001), three-times (OR=3.31, P<0.001) to clear the virus spontaneously, and six-times to achieve interferon-induced SVR (OR_corrected=6.03; P<0.001). The rs8099917 TT carriers were associated with a higher rate of SVR (vs. wild GT/GG, 74% vs. 38%), with 3-fold probability achieving SVR (OR_corrected=3.42, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Polymorphisms near the IL-28B gene protect against infection and persistence of HCV, and predict SVR.

Association between IFN-λ 3 Gene Polymorphisms and Outcome of Treatment with Direct Acting Antivirals in Chronic HCV-Infected Egyptian Patients

Background: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interferon lambda 3 (IFN-λ 3) gene are associated with viral clearance and treatment response in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Aim: to assess whether specific IFN-λ 3 gene SNP, known as rs12979860 (C > T), could predict the outcome of treatment with direct acting antivirals (DAAs) among Egyptian patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection. Methods: Tetra-primer (ARMS-PCR) and PCR-RFLP methods were used for SNP genotyping in 100 chronic HCV-infected patients and 50 healthy subjects as control group. Results: The CC (wild type) genotype of rs12979860 was identified in 20 patients, 50% of them achieved sustained virological response (SVR). SNP genotype TT was found in 17 patients and only 2 of them (11.76%) were responders. The frequency of CT genotypes was significantly higher in responders than in non-responders (p= .021). In contrast, the frequency of TT genotypes was significantly higher in non-responders (42.85%, p< .001). On univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the significant predictors of SVR, there were six predictive factors (Age, diabetes mellitus, AST, albumin, type of therapy and IFN-λ 3 genotype). Conclusion: The TT genotype and T allele were significantly associated with failure to achieve SVR. However, CT genotype of IFN-λ 3 (rs12979860) may be considered as a predictor for SVR in patients who received DAAs.

Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection in Chinese Han population: An observational study

Cytokines are extensively involved in the process of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and take a crucial part in host immune regulation. We aimed to explore the potential correlation of cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with HCV susceptibility and response rate of interferon (IFN)-based antiviral therapy in Chinese Han population.A case-control genetic association study was conducted between 198 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection and 142 healthy controls. Genetic polymorphisms of TNF-α (rs1800629), TGF-β (rs1800469), IL-10 (rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872), IL-6 (rs1800795, rs1800796), IFN-γ (rs2430561), and IL-28B (rs12979860, rs12980275, and rs8099917) were analyzed by MassARRAY SNP technology. Patients were treated with IFNα-2b or pegylated-IFNα-2a plus ribavirin for 48 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was assessed 6 months after the completion of the treatment.The IL-28B rs12979860-CC (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69-11.21, P = .001), rs12980275-AA (OR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.08-10.76, P = .028), and rs8099917-TT (OR = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.49-10.12, P = .004) were significantly associated with SVR, and IL-10 rs1800871-TT (OR = .50, 95% CI: 0.25-1.00, P = .049) and rs1800872-AA (OR = .50, 95% CI: 0.25-1.00, P = .049) were also significant for SVR. No association was found between the cytokine SNPs and HCV susceptibility. Additionally, multivariate analysis showed that low baseline viral load (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.01-13.02, P = .048), pegylated-IFN (OR = 9.68, 95% CI: 1.14-82.13, P = .037) and rs12979860-CC (OR = 6.08, 95% CI: 2.00-18.46, P = .001) were independent factors for SVR.IL-28 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms played an important role in predicting host response to IFN-based antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 1b infection.

Association of polymorphisms in inflammatory cytokines encoding genes with severe cases of influenza A/H1N1 and B in an Iranian population

Background

The increased levels of blood cytokines is the main immunopathological process that were attributed to severe clinical outcomes in cases of influenza A, influenza B and people with influenza-like illness (ILI). Functional genetic polymorphisms caused by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inflammatory cytokines genes can influence their functions either qualitatively or quantitatively, which is associated with the possibility of severe influenza infections. The aim of the present case-control study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in inflammatory cytokines genes with influenza patients and ILI group in an Iranian population.

Methods

Total number of 30 influenza B, 50 influenza A (H1N1) and 96 ILI inpatient individuals were confirmed by Real-time RT-PCR and HI assays. The genotype determination was assessed for defined SNPs in IL-1β, IL-17, IL-10 and IL-28 genes.

Results

The frequencies of the IL-1β rs16944 (P = 0.007) and IL-17 rs2275913 (P = 0.006) genotypes were associated with severe influenza disease, while the frequencies of IL-10 rs1800872 and IL-28 rs8099917 were not associated with the disease (P > 0.05). Also, the absence of A allele in IL-17 rs2275913 SNP increased the risk of influenza A (H1N1) infection (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that influenza A- (H1N1) and B-infected patients and also ILI controls have different profiles of immune parameters, and individuals carrying the specific cytokine-derived polymorphisms may show different immune responses towards severe outcome.

IL-28β gene polymorphism determines virological response to PEGylated interferon therapy in hepatitis C virus genotype 4 Egyptian patients

BACKGROUND

PEGylated interferon (PEG-IFN) in combination with ribavirin is the gold standard for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). The majority of patients received PEG-IFN/ribavirin achieve a sustained viral response (SVR), but few cases failed to respond. It was evident that host genetic factors determine the treatment-induced viral clearance as well as spontaneous response. In the current study, the rs12979860 polymorphism of IL28β gene was analyzed and its association with the virological response to PEG-IFN treatment was determined.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty Egyptian patients with HCV genotype 4 treated with PEG-IFN/ribavirin were assessed at 12 and 24 weeks of therapy, the rs12979860 genotype was determined using TaqMan-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Although the CC genotype was the most frequent (58%), the higher SVR was achieved for patients with favorable CC genotype (93%) in contrast to CT and TT genotypes.

CONCLUSION

we conclude that IL28B polymorphism is highly associated with SVR to therapy in the Egyptian population infected with HCV genotype 4 and patients who carry CC genotype have a higher chance of SVR.

Polymorphism in interferon λ3/interleukin-28B gene and risk to noncirrhotic chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 virus infection and its effect on the response to combined daclatasvir and sofosbuvir therapy

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a considerable public-health problem and an important cause of liver disease with about 71 million people infected worldwide and more than 399 000 people die every year from hepatitis C-related liver diseases. The present study was, therefore, initiated to investigate the association of polymorphism in interferon λ3 (IFNL3) also known as interleukin-28B (IL-28B) gene with chronic HCV infection and association of these polymorphic variants with the combination daclatasvir and sofosbuvir HCV therapy response. Genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay in a total of 250 chronic HCV genotype three patients and 500 number of healthy controls. Our data revealed that the TT (minor) genotype of IFNL3 (rs12979860) and GG (minor) genotype of IFNL3 (rs8099917) exhibited a significant association with chronic HCV genotype 3 infection when compared with controls. The results of treatment response showed that CC (major) genotype of IFNL3 (rs12979860) and TT (major) genotype of IFNL3 (rs8099917) are associated with the likelihood of achieving a higher sustained virological response (SVR), to combined daclatasvir and sofosbuvir therapy, in genotype 3-infected HCV patients, whereas the individuals with TT (minor) genotype of IFNL3 (rs12979860) and GG (minor) genotype of IFNL3 (rs8099917) are more susceptible to chronic HCV infection and treatment relapse, suggesting a role of IFNL3 (rs12979860) and (rs8099917) in the treatment outcome of combined daclatasvir and sofosbuvir therapy in chronic HCV genotype 3 infection.

Inflammasome Genes' Polymorphisms in Egyptian Chronic Hepatitis C Patients: Influence on Vulnerability to Infection and Response to Treatment

Chronic inflammation is a pivotal contributor to the liver damage mediated by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The NOD-like receptor, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is activated by HCV in both hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms in four inflammasome genes (NLRP3, CARD8, IL-1β, and IL-18) with the susceptibility to HCV infection and outcome of interferon treatment in 201 Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients and 95 healthy controls. The genotyping was conducted using TaqMan predesigned SNP assay. In the comparative analysis, the CC genotype of the NLRP3 rs1539019 was found to be associated with the lower risk to chronic HCV infection (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.17-0.62). This association was also found for the CA genotype and the A allele of the NLRP3 rs35829419 (OR: 0.18 and 0.22, respectively), in addition to the GG genotype and G allele of IL-18 rs1946518 (OR: 0.55 and 0.61, respectively). In contrast, the AA genotype of the IL-1β rs1143629 was significantly more frequent in HCV patients (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1-2.86). Notably, the frequency of the AA genotype of NLRP3 rs1539019 was significantly higher in patients with lack of response (NR) to the interferon treatment (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1-3.7). A similar association was found for both the CC genotype and C allele of the NLRP3 rs35829419 (OR: 2.78 and 2.73, respectively) and for the TT genotype and T allele of CARD8 rs2043211 (OR: 2.64 and 1.54, respectively). Yet, the IL-1β (rs1143629, rs1143634) and IL-18 (rs187238, rs1946518) polymorphisms did not show any significant association with response to interferon treatment. In conclusion, this study reports, for the first time, the association of genetic variations in NLRP3 with hepatitis C susceptibility and response to treatment in Egyptian patients. However, further large-scale studies are recommended to confirm our findings.

Extracellular Matrix Proteins Substantiate IL-28B T allele Effect on Histological Outcome of Chronic Hepatitis C

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

The correlation between interleukin-28B (IL-28B) polymorphisms and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) progression is debatable. Here, we aimed to evaluate the relation between IL-28B C/T genotypes and the development of cirrhotic liver. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, FibroScan and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) were used to substantiate the severity of liver disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

IL-28B rs12979860, liver stiffness and ECM proteins were assessed in 272 CHC patients.

RESULTS

Cirrhosis percentage increased to 10%, 52% and 96% with the increasing number of T alleles (CC, CT and TT, respectively). Also, elevated ECM proteins levels were correlated with the increasing number of T alleles. Interestingly, among cirrhotic patients, liver stiffness, MELD and ECM proteins were significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in patients with TT more than CT genotype. FibroScan, hyaluronic acid, Laminin, Collagen IV and the N-terminal pro-peptide of collagen type III have high accuracy to differentiate liver status in CC from TT genotype. Area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (95% CI) were 1.0 (1.0-1.0), 0.97 (0.96- 1.0), 0.93 (0.85-1.0), 0.98 (0.97-1.0) and 0.93 (0.91-0.97), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that IL-28B T allele affects the natural course of CHC type 4 and also suggests that carriage of the IL-28B C allele protects from unfavorable clinical outcomes in CHC as coexistence of C allele with T allele reduced cirrhosis severity.

Distribution of IL28B and IL10 polymorphisms as genetic predictors of treatment response in Pakistani HCV genotype 3 patients

There are over 10 million hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients in Pakistan. For these patients, a combination of interferon with ribavirin is the most economical and easily available treatment. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin genes have been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis and clearance of HCV, and sustained virologic response (SVR). An interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene polymorphism has been shown to modify treatment outcomes, but the effects of interleukin 10 (IL10) polymorphisms have not been previously assessed in the Pakistani population. The present study was conducted with 302 subjects categorized into two groups: 100 healthy volunteers (Group I) and 202 patients with chronic HCV (Group II). Patients within Group II were further divided into two subgroups according to therapeutic response: SVR (responders = 132) and NR (non-responders/relapsers = 70). IL28B (rs8099917, rs12979860) and IL10 (rs1800872, rs1800871, rs1800896) gene polymorphisms were studied in all subjects. A significant difference in the distribution of IL28B rs12979860C/T genotypes between the two groups (p<0.05) was observed, while of the three IL10 polymorphisms, a significant difference was only shown for rs1800896 A/G. Haplotype analysis (IL28B and IL10) showed a significant association of TTGTC and TTGTA when comparing the groups. There was a strong association of the favorable alleles rs8099917T and rs12979860C in the SVR group as compared with the NR group (p<0.05), and rs1800896 also showed an association with the SVR group as compared to the NR group (p<0.004). Haplotype analysis showed significant associations when comparing the SVR and NR subgroups, i.e. TCATC (p=0.009), TTGTA (p=0.005), TCATA (p<0.0005), TCACA (p=0.002), GTGCC (p=0.002) and TCGTC (p=0.005). IL28B (rs8099917 and rs12979860) and IL10 (rs1800896) polymorphisms alone, or in combination, are good predictors of therapeutic response in HCV-3a patients.

Association of HCV mutated proteins and host SNPs in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis C virus plays a significant role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) globally. The pathogenic mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma with HCV infection are generally linked with inflammation, cytokines, fibrosis, cellular signaling pathways, and liver cell proliferation modulating pathways. HCV encoded proteins (Core, NS3, NS4, NS5A) interact with a broad range of hepatocytes derived factors to modulate an array of activities such as cell signaling, DNA repair, transcription and translational regulation, cell propagation, apoptosis, membrane topology. These four viral proteins are also implicated to show a strong conversion potential in tissue culture. Furthermore, Core and NS5A also trigger the accretion of the β-catenin pathway as a common target to contribute viral induced transformation. There is a strong association between HCV variants within Core, NS4, and NS5A and host single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the HCC pathogenesis. Identification of such viral mutants and host SNPs is very critical to determine the risk of HCC and response to antiviral therapy. In this review, we highlight the association of key variants, mutated proteins, and host SNPs in development of HCV induced HCC. How such viral mutants may modulate the interaction with cellular host machinery is also discussed.

Interleukin-10 and Interferon Gamma Gene Polymorphisms and Hepatitis C Virus-Related Liver Cirrhosis Risk

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the gene polymorphisms in interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) genes with susceptibility and severity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Egyptian patients. Interleukin-10 -592 A/C, -1082 G/A and IFN-γ +874 T/A genotypes were determined in 100 chronic HCV patients and 50 healthy controls using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and the amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) respectively. IL-10 -592 A/C polymorphism genotyping revealed that the frequency of CC genotype was significantly higher in chronic HCV patients than in controls (58% versus 30%, P < 0.05). Regarding IL-10 -1082 G/A polymorphism genotyping, a higher frequency of GG genotype was found in chronic HCV patients compared to controls (31% versus 10%, P < 0.05). IFN-γ +874 T/A genotyping showed that TT genotype was significantly higher in chronic HCV participants than controls (31% versus 18%, P < 0.05), while a higher frequency of T allele was found in cirrhotic patients compared to noncirrhotic patients (P < 0.05). Our observations suggested that IL-10 -592 A/C, -1082 G/A, and IFN-γ +874 T/A polymorphisms had a strong association with susceptibility to HCV infection. However, no significant association was observed between the cytokines (IL-10 and IFN-γ) genotypes profile and HCV-liver cirrhosis risk in the studied population, except for the high frequency of IFN-γ +874 T allele in cirrhotic patients.

IL-10 and IL-28B gene variants as predictors of sustained response to peginterferon and ribavirin therapy in chronic HCV infection

OBJECTIVES

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays an important role in the immunity to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Insofar as IL-10 variants are associated with altered levels of IL-10, previous studies that examined the association of IL-10 polymorphisms with the susceptibility to and progression of chronic HCV, and response to anti-viral treatment were inconsistent. We investigated the association between common IL-10 variants in the intron and the promotor region with HCV and associated features.

METHODS

Study subjects comprised 120 patients infected with HCV-1b, and treated with Peg-IFN/RBV. Genotyping of six IL-10 promoter variants in the intron region (rs1878672, rs1554286, rs1518111) and promotor region (rs1800872, rs1800871, rs1800896) were done by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Compared to G/G, carriage of IL-10 rs1800896 (-1082A/G) A/A genotype was more frequent in patients with sustained virological response (SVR). The decline in viral load over the first 12weeks of treatment was more pronounced in rs1800896 A/A genotype carriers, compared to G/G genotype carriers, and was irrespective of the treatment dosage. Carriage of rs1800896 A/A genotype was positively associated with improvement in viral load decline, which was simultaneous, with and without carriage of the common favourable IL-28B variant. Carriage of both IL-10 rs1800896 G/G and IL-28B non-favourable genotype was associated with twice the risk of getting slow decline of viral load during treatment. Haploview analysis identified ACGCTA and CCGCTG haplotypes to be linked with excellent PegIFN/RBV cure rate, and complete HCV eradication. On the other hand, ACGCTG and CCGCTA haplotypes were associated with resistance to PegIFN/RBV treatment.

CONCLUSION

IL-10 rs1800896 variant markedly influences the clinical outcome of HCV infection, and is a determinant of the response to HCV treatment.

Polymorphisms of α1-antitrypsin and Interleukin-6 genes and the progression of hepatic cirrhosis in patients with a hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a serious health problem. The –174 G/C mutation in the pro inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with developing liver diseases. Likewise, the S and Z mutations in the serine protease inhibitor α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) are associated with pulmonary emphysema and/or liver cirrhosis. We explored the distribution of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-6 and A1AT genes in chronic HCV-infected patients and evaluated their impact on the progression of liver cirrhosis.

One hundred and fifty Egyptian HCV-infected patients together with 100 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The patient groups were subdivided into chronic hepatitis patients (n = 85) and cirrhotic patients (n = 65). The SNP of IL-6 (–174 G/C, rs1800795), A1AT Z mutation (342 Glu/Lys, rs28929474) and A1AT S mutation (264 Glu/Val, rs17580) were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

Cirrhotic patients exhibited significantly increased frequency of the A1AT S allele compared with the controls (34.6 vs. 5.0%), while the chronic hepatitis patients showed a higher frequency of the A1AT Z allele compared with the controls (14.7 vs. 2.5%). Remarkably, IL-6 (CC genotype) was detected only in the chronic hepatitis patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that aspartate transaminase (AST) and the S alleles of A1AT, represented as SS+MS genotypes, were significantly independent predictors for development of liver cirrhosis. We concluded that inheritance of deficient S and Z alleles of the A1AT gene but not IL-6 (–174 G/C), were associated with progressive liver diseases.

Prevalence of IFNL3 gene polymorphism among blood donors and its relation to genomic profile of ancestry in Brazil

The recent development of interferon-free regimens based on direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection has benefited many but not all patients. Some patients still experience treatment failure, possibly attributed to unknown host and viral factors, such as IFNL3 gene polymorphism. The present study assessed the prevalence of rs12979860-CC, rs12979860-CT, and rs12979860-TT genotypes of the IFNL3 gene, and its relationship with ancestry informative markers in 949 adult Brazilian healthy blood donors. Race was analyzed using ancestry informative markers as a surrogate for ancestry. IFNL3 gene was genotyped using the ABI TaqMan single nucleotide polymorphisms genotyping assays. The overall frequency of rs12979860-CC genotype was 36.9%. The contribution of African ancestry was significantly higher among donors from the northeast region in relation to southeast donors, whereas the influence of European ancestry was significantly higher in southeast donors. Donors with rs12979860-CC and rs12979860-CT genotypes had similar ancestry background. The contribution of African ancestry was higher among rs12979860-TT genotype donors in comparison to both rs12979860-CC and rs12979860-CT genotypes. The prevalence of rs12979860-CC genotype is similar to that found in the US, despite the Brazilian ancestry informative markers admixture. However, in terms of ancestry, rs12979860-CT genotype was much closer to rs12979860-CC individuals than to rs12979860-TT.

Association between IL28B rs12979860 single nucleotide polymorphism and the frequency of colonic Treg in chronically HCV-infected patients

The IL28B gene is associated with spontaneous or treatment-induced HCV viral clearance. However, the mechanism by which the IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affects the extra-hepatic HCV immune responses and its relationship to HCV pathogenesis have not been thoroughly investigated. To examine the mechanism by which IL28B affects HCV clearance. Forty Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection receiving an Interferon/ribavirin treatment regimen were enrolled into this study. There were two groups: non-responders (NR; n = 20) and sustained virologic responders (SVR; n = 20). The initial plasma HCV viral loads prior to treatment and IL28B genotypes were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and sequencing, respectively. Liver biopsies were examined to determine the inflammatory score and the stage of fibrosis. Colonic regulatory T cell (Treg) frequency was estimated by immunohistochemistry. No significant association between IL28B genotypes and response to therapy was identified, despite an odds ratio of 3.4 to have the TT genotype in NR compared to SVR (95 % confidence interval 0.3-35.3, p = 0.3). Patients with the TT-IL28Brs12979860 genotype (unfavorable genotype) have significantly higher frequencies of colonic Treg compared to the CT (p = 0.04) and CC (p = 0.03) genotypes. The frequency of colonic Treg cells in HCV-infected patients had a strong association with the IL-28B genotype and may have a significant impact on HCV clearance.

Interleukin 10 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms in Polish patients with chronic hepatitis C: Analysis of association with severity of disease and treatment outcome

It is suggested that interleukin 10 (IL-10), as a modulator of immune response, is likely to influence the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the progression of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and the response to interferon-based therapy in CHC patients. The aim of the study was to analyze the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-10 gene with severity of liver disease (degree of inflammation and stage of fibrosis) and outcome of pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin combined therapy (sustained virological response (SVR) and relapse) in 196 Polish CHC patients infected with HCV genotype 1. The analysis included IL-10 promoter SNPs: -1082(A/G) rs1800896, -819(C/T) rs1800871, -592(C/A) rs1800872 and SNP in the 3' UTR of IL-10 gene: +4529(A/G) rs3024498. Genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP and HRM analysis. It was demonstrated that the -592C allele is associated with mild hepatic inflammation. Moreover, it was found that the -819C allele might be associated with SVR and that the ACCA haplotype and intermediate IL-10 producer ACC haplotype are associated with SVR and non-relapse. It can be concluded that IL-10 SNPs are associated with severity of disease and response to therapy and may be considered as potential prognostic and predictive markers in CHC.

Interleukin-10.rs1800896 and Interleukin-18.rs1946518 gene polymorphisms could not predict the outcome of hepatitis C virus infection in Egyptian patients treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the interleukin (IL)-28B gene was used as a major predictor of the response to treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Data examining the role of IL-10 and IL-18 gene polymorphisms among HCV genotype 4 (G4)-infected Egyptians in response to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy are limited. This study investigated the impact of SNP at IL-10.rs1800896 (at position -1082) and IL-18.rs1946518 genes (at position -607) on the response to PEG-IFN/RBV therapy in HCV-infected Egyptians. This study was carried out on 100 HCV patients treated with PEG-IFN plus RBV and 100 healthy controls. The HCV patients included 50 treatment non-responders (NR) and 50 subjects with sustained virologic response (SVR). Genomic DNA from venous blood of subjects was extracted and IL-10.rs1800896 and IL-18.rs1946518 genotypes were determined using allele-specific amplification and SYBR Green real-time PCR. Linkage disequilibrium between the two SNPs was estimated using Haploview software. The frequency of the IL-10.rs1800896 AA, AG and GG genotypes among non-responders were 16 %, 70 % and 14 % while among SVR subjects, the frequency was 34 %, 60 % and 6 %, respectively (p=0.073). On the other hand, the frequency of the IL-18.rs1946518 AA, AC and CC genotypes among non-responders was 14 %, 50 % and 36 %, respectively, while among responders, these frequencies were 28 %, 44 % and 28 %, (p = 0.220). Both markers were in linkage equilibrium (D' = 0.23; r (2) = 0.052). SNPs in the IL-10.rs1800896 and IL-18.rs1946518 genes could not predict the outcome of HCV infection in Egyptians treated with PEG-IFN/RBV.

Influence of IL10 Gene polymorphisms on the sustained virologic response of patients with chronic hepatitis C to PEG-interferon/ribavirin therapy

There are accurate but inconclusive data on the association of interleukin (IL) 10 polymorphisms with sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). This meta-analysis aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the effects of IL10 gene polymorphisms (-1082G/A, -819C/T, -592C/A) and their haplotypes on SVR in CHC patients receiving pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-a) plus ribavirin. Literature search was conducted up to Jan., 2016, in PubMed, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science electronic databases. Statistical analyses were performed by STATA11.0 software, with odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 14 studies involving 1687 CHC cases met the inclusion criteria. Analyses were stratified either by ethnicity or genotype of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The results indicated that IL10-1082A/G was associated with a significantly decreased SVR rate based on the heterozygous model (OR: 0.662, 95% CI: 0.467-0.938) and dominant model (OR: 0.648, 95% CI: 0.440-0.955). Similar results were found in the Egyptian and HCV-4 genotype in all gene models except the recessive model. Moreover, we observed that IL10-819T allele carriers was associated with a significantly increased SVR in the Caucasian population (OR: 1.380, 95% CI: 1.018-1.871). However, we did not detect any significant association of the -592C/A polymorphism or haplotypes with SVR in the total or subgroup populations. In conclusion, IL10-1082GG genotype and -1082G allele were associated with decreased SVR rate in CHC patients, especially for the Egyptian and HCV-4 genotype. Moreover, IL10-819T allele was more likely to get SVR in the Caucasian population.

Gene polymorphisms of IL-10 and MxA in responders and non-responders to interferon therapy in HCV Egyptian patients genotype 4

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, with about 170 million people infected worldwide. The standard regimen for treatment of HCV consists of a combination of pegylated interferon with ribavirin. Failure of interferon-α treatment in patients with chronic HCV infection remains a challenging obstacle. Both viral and host environmental factors have been implicated in reducing responsiveness to IFN-α therapy. Host genetic diversity is also believed to contribute to the different clinical outcomes in HCV infection. The objective of the study was to investigate the association of both IL-10 (-819 and -592) and MxA (-88 and -123) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the promoter regions, with response to interferon (IFN) therapy in Egyptian patients infected with HCV genotype 4. Polymorphisms of both genes in 85 HCV patients and 100 controls were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The frequency of SNP was compared between sustained responders (n = 52) and non-responders (n = 33), as determined by biochemical and virological response to IFN and ribavirin combined therapy. The frequency of the -819T/T and the -592A/A genotypes of IL-10 was significantly higher among responders compared to non-responders (51.92 vs 39.4 %, P = 0.03; 51.92 vs 42.42 %;P = 0.046 respectively). The G/G genotype at position -88 of the MxA gene was significantly lower in responders than in non-responders (25 vs 75.76 %, P = 0.046), whereas heterozygotes (G/T) were more likely responders (65.38 vs 18.18 %, P = 0). The -123C/A genotype was significantly associated with responders (48.08 vs 30.30 %, P = 0.014). Findings suggest that homozygosity for both -819T/T and -592A/A polymorphisms of IL-10 gene and that heterozygosity for both -88G/T and -123C/A polymorphisms of the MxA gene are important host factors that influence the response to IFN therapy in patients with chronic HCV infection.

Interleukin 28B polymorphisms as predictors of sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C: systematic review and meta-analysis

Polymorphism of interleukin 28B gene represents a powerful outcome predictor for interferon-based regimens in hepatitis C virus infection. However, some studies report conflicting results. The predictive value of interleukin 28B genotype over the outcome interferon-α/ribavirin treatment was thoroughly evaluated and compared with virological predictors of response. Literature revision was performed on PubMed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by fixed- or random-effects models. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. Sixty-two eligible papers including 20 290 patients were retrieved. Both polymorphisms (rs12979860 and rs8099917) were strongly associated with response (OR=4.09 and 4.00, respectively), however, the association was weaker for subjects infected with viral genotypes 2 and 3 (OR=1.52 and 1.49, respectively). Compared with interleukin 28B genotype, the association with response was lower for baseline viremia (OR=2.15) and higher for rapid virological response (OR=13.86). These results provide a critical evaluation of interleukin 28B genotype as a pharmacogenetic predictor in hepatitis C patients.

Assessment of interleukin 28B genotype as a predictor of response to combined therapy with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in HCV infected Egyptian patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene is associated with spontaneous clearance and variable response to combined therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. This study aimed at assessing the value of IL28B rs8099917 gene polymorphism in predicting sustained virological response (SVR) among HCV infected Egyptian patients treated with PEG-IFN and RBV.

METHODS

Our study was conducted on 153 chronic HCV infected patients treated with PEG-IFN and RBV. Genotyping of rs8099917 near the IL-28B gene was performed by Real Time PCR using Taq-Man probe assay.

RESULTS

The overall SVR was achieved in 49.6% of patients. Patients with TT genotype showed significantly higher SVR rate than minor allele (TG/GG) carriers (74% vs. 26%, P=0.004). Logistic regression analysis revealed that TT carriers had 2.8 higher chance for SVR achievement than G allele carriers TG/GG (OR=2.8, 95% CI=1.4-5.6, P=0.004). Younger age, male sex and low activity grading were significant predictors of SVR (P=0.003, P=<0.001 and P<0.001 respectively). High pretreatment AST levels and advanced liver fibrosis were negative predictors of SVR (P=0.04 and P<0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSION

IL28B genotype is a significant pre-treatment predictor of response to PEG-IFN/RBV in HCV infected Egyptian patients.

Sustained virological response and its treatment predictors in hepatitis C virus genotype 4 compared to genotypes 1, 2, and 3: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN+RBV) may be more cost-effective than direct-acting antivirals in resource-limited settings. Current literature suggests sustained virological response (SVR) in hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV-4) is similar to genotype 1 (HCV-1), but worse than 2 and 3 (HCV-2/3). However, few studies have compared treatment response between these groups and these have been limited by small sample sizes with heterogeneous designs. We performed a meta-analysis of SVR predictors in HCV-4 versus HCV-1, 2, and 3 patients treated with PEG-IFN+RBV.

METHODS

In November 2013, we searched for 'genotype 4' in MEDLINE/EMBASE databases and scientific conferences. We included original articles with ≥25 treatment-naïve HCV-4 and comparisons to HCV-1, 2, and/or 3 patients treated with PEG-IFN+RBV. Random effects modelling was used with heterogeneity defined by Cochrane Q-test (p value<0.10) and I(2) statistic (>50%).

RESULTS

Five studies with 20 014 patients (899 HCV-4; 12 033 HCV-1; and 7082 HCV-2/3 patients) were included. SVR was 53% (CI 43% to 62%) for HCV-4, 44% (CI 40% to 47%) for HCV-1; and 73% (CI 58% to 84%) for HCV-2/3. SVR with EVR (early virological response) was 75% (CI 61% to 86%) in HCV-4; 64% (CI 46% to 79%) in HCV-1; and 85% (CI 71% to 93%) in HCV-2/3. SVR without EVR was 10% (CI 6% to 17%) for HCV-4; 13% (CI 12% to 15%) for HCV-1; and 23% (CI 16% to 33%) for HCV-2/3.

CONCLUSIONS

SVR rates are similar in HCV-4 (∼50%) and HCV-1 (∼40%). Lack of EVR is a good stopping rule for HCV-4 and HCV-1 since only 10% subsequently achieve SVR. In HCV-4 patients with EVR, three-quarters can expect to achieve SVR with PEG-IFN+RBV.

Characterization of the Interleukin-28B Gene rs12979860 C/T Polymorphism in Turkish Chronic Hepatitis C Patients and Healthy Individuals

BACKGROUND

Host genetic factors can affect the progress of hepatitis-C virus (HCV) infection. Interleukin-28B (IL28B) single nucleotide polymorphisms may play an important role in the clearance of HCV spontaneously or with treatment.

AIMS

The aim of our study was to evaluate the rate of IL28B genotypes in patients with Chronic Hepatitis-C (CHC) and healthy control subjects and to examine the characteristics of patients in each IL28B subgroup.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

IL28B polymorphisms were genotyped by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in all subjects.

RESULTS

The mean age was 52.3±10.9 years (33% female) in the CHC patients and 52.5±11.5 years (39.1% female) in the healthy controls. The percentage of patients with a high baseline viral load (≥400,000 IU/mL) was higher in the CT group (69.8%) compared to the C/C (44.4%) and T/T (50%) groups (p=0.021). There was no significant difference in liver fibrosis and liver necroinflammation distribution among the CC, CT and TT genotypes with mild, moderate and severe groups (p=0.058 and p=0.791, respectively). Mean age, gender ratio, body mass index, viral load at baseline, rate of HCV genotypes, baseline ALT levels were not significantly different among the three IL28B subgroups (p>0.05). A significant increase was observed in the frequencies of IL28B rs12979860 TT genotypes in the CHC patients (20.6%) compared to the healthy control group (8.7%) (p=0.033).

CONCLUSION

In the patients with chronic HCV-genotype 1b and 4 infections, the IL28B rs12979860 (C>T) gene polymorphism frequency of the TT genotype and T allele was higher than in healthy control subjects. This result indicates that the TT genotype may be more effective in the progression of HCV infection than other genotypes.

Polymorphisms of IL-10 gene in patients infected with HCV under antiviral treatment in southern Brazil

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine that plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system. Gene polymorphisms of IL-10 have been associated with the different expression levels of this cytokine. In hepatitis C virus infection, IL-10 appears to interfere with the progression of disease, viral persistence and the response to therapy. This study investigated genetic variability in the IL-10 gene promoter between patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and healthy individuals, associating the frequency of polymorphisms with different aspects of viral infection. This is a case-control study with 260 patients who were infected with HCV and 260 healthy individuals. Genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed using the technique of amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR) for regions of the IL-10 gene promoter (-1082 G/A, -819 C/T, -592 C/A). The frequencies of alleles and genotypes related to polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene promoter showed a higher frequency of the G allele and genotype GG in the -1082 region between the infected group and the control group (p=0.005 and p=0.001, respectively), whereas the AA genotype was significantly more frequent in the control group. The frequencies of the haplotypes GTA and GCC were higher in the group of infected individuals, whereas the haplotype ATA was more frequent in the healthy group (p<0.006). It was also observed that the genotypes GG and AG in the region -1082 were significantly more frequent among patients infected with HCV who were in advanced stages of fibrosis and cirrhosis (p=0.042). No association was observed between polymorphisms of IL-10 and sustained virologic response (SVR).

Is rs8099917 polymorphism of IL-28B gene a good predictor of response to therapy of HCV than rs12979860? An Egyptian study

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the major etiology of chronic liver disease. Polymorphisms in the IL-28B gene region are important in predicting outcome following therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The aim of this study was to detect the relationship between IL-28B polymorphism and responses to therapy in patients infected with genotype 4. This study included one hundred chronic hepatitis C patients infected with genotype 4, received PEG-IFNα2b plus ribavirin for 24 weeks, as well as, 20 healthy subjects serving as control. Clinical and laboratory parameters, including genetic variation near the IL-28B gene (rs8099917 and rs12979860), were assessed. The results of this study showed significant difference between responders and non-responders as regard SNPs in the interleukin 28B gene at rs8099917 and rs12979860. In rs8099917, TT genotypes had more frequency in responders than GG genotypes. On the other hand, CC genotype in rs12979860 had more frequency in responders than TT genotype. By multiple regression analysis, rs8099917 (TT), total bilirubin, and prothrombin time were independent factors affecting the response to treatment. This results demonstrate that in HCV genotype 4-infected patients, rs12979860 (CC) and rs8099917 (TT) genotypes may identify patients who are likely to respond to treatment. IL-28B SNPs are good predictors of response to combination therapy of HCV.

Impact of Interleukin 28B Genotype on the Virological Responses in Chronic Hepatitis C Treatment

Background

Interleukin (IL) 28B single nucleotide polymorphisms may play a role in the clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV). We aimed to evaluate the treatment response of chronic HCV infection patients to pegile interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin treatment with regard to IL28B rs12979860 C/T polymorphism.

Methods

A total of 186 patients (mean age, 55.6 ± 10 years; 65.1% female) who underwent pegIFN and ribavirin treatment for chronic HCV infection were studied. We analyzed demographics, HCV genotype, baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, histopathological data, viral load before treatment and at 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks from the treatment start, and IL28B genotype. IL28B polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in all the subjects.

Results

One hundred forty-five (86.8%) patients were infected with viral genotype 1b, and 13.2% were infected with viral genotype 4. The rates of C/C, C/T, and T/T genotypes were 22.6%, 52.7%, and 24.7% respectively. The percentage of patients with a viral load over 400,000 IU/mL was higher in the C/T group (P = 0.020). Of the patients, 44.6% provided sustained virological response (SVR) to pegIFN and ribavirin combination treatment. The frequency of T allele was 41% in patients with SVR, whereas 59% patients provided no response (P < 0.001). SVR was obtained in 66.7%, 42.9%, and 28.3% of CC, CT, and TT groups (P = 0.001). The rates of rapid virological response (RVR), early virological response (EVR), end-of-treatment response (ETR), and SVR were higher in the CC group than other groups (P = 0.216, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). The relapse and null response (NR) rates were higher in TT group and partial response rate (PR) was higher in CT group.

Conclusions

IL28B rs12979860 C/T gene polymorphism affects the response to antiviral treatment in the patients with chronic HCV genotypes 1b and 4 infections.

Meta-analysis: influence of host and viral factors in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

The burden of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV-4) is high in Africa and East Mediterranean countries. Previous reports estimate sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in HCV-4 to be ∼20-70%. However, many of these studies are limited by different study designs and small sample sizes. Our aim was to evaluate treatment outcome and host/viral factors on SVR in HCV-4 patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG IFN+RBV) in a systematic and quantitative manner. A comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE for 'genotype 4' was conducted in November 2013. Abstracts from American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, Asian Pacific Study of the Liver, Digestive Disease Week, and European Association for the Study of the Liver in 2012/2013 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were original studies with at least 25 treatment-naive HCV-4 patients treated with PEG IFN+RBV. Exclusion criteria were coinfection with HIV, hepatitis B virus, or other genotypes. Effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was determined by Cochrane Q-test (P<0.05) and I statistic (>50%). We included 51 studies (11 102 HCV-4 patients) in the primary analysis. Pooled SVR was 53% [95% confidence interval (CI): 50-55%] (Q-statistic=269.20, P<0.05; I=81.43). On subgroup analyses, SVR was significantly associated with lower viral load, odds ratio (OR) 3.05 (CI: 1.80-5.17, P<0.001); mild fibrosis, OR 3.17 (CI: 2.19-4.59, P<0.001); and favorable IL28B polymorphisms, rs12979860 CC versus CT/TT, OR 4.70 (CI: 2.87-7.69, P<0.001), and rs8099917 TT versus GT/GG, OR 5.21 (CI: 2.31-11.73, P<0.001). HCV-4 patients treated with PEG IFN+RBV may expect SVR rates of ∼50%. Lower viral load, mild fibrosis, and favorable IL28B (rs12979860 CC and rs8099917 TT) are positively associated with SVR.

Low IL10 serum levels as key factor for predicting the sustained virological response to IFNα/ribavirin in Brazilian patients with HCV carrying IL28B CT/TT genotype

PROPOSE

IL28B polymorphisms rs12979860 CC genotype was associated to protection of HCV infection and sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV infected patients treated with pegIFNα/ribavirin (IFNα/RIB), however, this polymorphism frequency varies depending on genetic components. Studies with larger number of Brazilian individuals, determining IL28B polymorphisms is lacking. Regarding to treatment response, the levels of IL10 seem to influence response to IFNα/RIB therapy. Thus, the IL28B polymorphism frequency was investigated in health controls and infected HCV patients, as well as, in patients who reach SVR vs Non-SVR. Also, to gain insight into the interplay between IL28B genotypes, IL10 levels and therapy response, a subgroup of genotyped HCV patients SVR and Non-SVR were analyzed regarding the IL10 production.

METHODS

It was enrolled 487 HCV infected patients and 234 healthy individuals. Patients with response to IFNα/RIB were classified as SVR (n = 81) and Non-SVR (n = 123). TAQMAN probes were used for genotyping the SNP rs12979860, resulting in CC, CT or TT genotypes. In one hundred one patients, the levels IL10 were measured at week 4 of IFNα/RIB.

RESULTS

CC genotype was associated to SVR (p = 0.029) and its frequency was higher in healthy individuals vs patients (p = 0.02). Patients carrying CT/TT with IL10<10 pg/mL, had a chance of 2.72 to achieve SVR in multivariate model (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

CC genotype was associated to SVR and protection to HCV infection. Moreover, IL28B genotyping and IL10 serum levels could be further explored as a useful algorithm for identify the CT/TT SVR patients.

IL28B rs 12979860 predicts response to treatment in Egyptian hepatitis C virus genotype 4 patients and alpha fetoprotein increases its predictive strength

To assess the role of IL28B rs 12979860 polymorphism in predicting response to treatment in genotype 4 (G4) Egyptian patients, and to evaluate the role of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in increasing the predictive strength of IL28B rs 12979860 polymorphism to predict response to treatment. One hundred thirty 7 HCV patients were genotyped for IL28B rs 12979860 by polymerase chain reaction--restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The presence of the C allele of IL28B rs 12979860 was associated with response to treatment, while the T allele was associated with failure of response to treatment. AFP is associated with IL28B rs 12979860 SNP genotypes at cut off 2.68 and 4.5 ng/mL individually. Response rate was 1.3 and 1.6, 3 times higher in CC, CT, and TT respectively in patients below AFP 4.5 ng/mL than in patients above it. IL28B rs 12979860 polymorphism is strongly associated with treatment induced response to treatment. AFP (cut off 4.5 mg/mL) increases the predictive power of IL28B in response to treatment.

DNA repair gene XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and susceptibility to glioma: A case-control study

The DNA repair gene, X-ray repair cross-complementing group 3 (XRCC3) Thr241Met polymorphism may be associated with a susceptibility to glioma. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and the potential susceptibility to gliomas. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted, which included a total of 886 patients with glioma and 886 healthy control subjects. Peripheral blood samples were extracted and the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was performed to analyze the genotypes. The glioma patients had a significantly higher frequency of the XRCC3 241 MetMet genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–2.41; P=0.02] compared with the control subjects. When stratified by the grade of the glioma, the patients with stage IV glioma (according to the World Health Organization classification) had a significantly higher frequency of the XRCC3 241 MetMet genotype (OR=1.61; 95% CI: 1.06–2.44; P=0.03). When stratified by the histology of the glioma, there was no significant difference in the distribution of each genotype. The findings of the present study indicate that the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism is associated with a susceptibility to glioma.

Association of interleukin-10 polymorphisms with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in a case-control study and its effect on the response to combined pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy

We conducted a case-control study involving 150 genotype 3 chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients and 150 healthy controls to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene with chronic HCV infection and the association of these polymorphic variants with the combination of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin therapy response. Our data revealed that the GG genotype of IL-10 –1082A/G exhibited significant association with genotype 3 chronic HCV infection compared to controls. Treatment response data also showed a significant increase in risk for the GG genotype of IL-10 –1082A/G in response-relapse patients or non-responder patients compared to sustained virological response patients. Further, a significant increase in risk was also revealed for the CC genotype of IL-10 –592A/C in response-relapse patients or non-responder patients compared to sustained virological response patients, suggesting a role of the GG genotype of IL-10 –1082A/G and CC genotype of IL-10 –592A/C in the treatment outcome of combined Peg-IFN/ribavirin therapy.

IL-28B polymorphisms correlated with treatment response in HCV-4 mono-infected patients: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of interleukin 28B (IL-28B) polymorphisms played in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been gradually explicit, especially in HCV genotype 1, 2 and 3. However, no confirmative conclusion was acquired in genotype 4 HCV patients. Thus we conducted this meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched the commonly used databases both in English and Chinese. Meta-analysis was performed in fixed/random effects models using STATA 12.0 or R software. Publication bias was examined through Egger's test and Begg's funnel plot.

RESULTS

In total, 11 studies were included in this meta-analysis, encompassing 1284 patients who were mono-infected with HCV-4 and received Peg-interferon (Peg-IFN) plus Ribavirin (Rbv). Around 53.0% patients would achieve sustained virologic response (SVR), 36.6% achieve rapid virologic response (RVR) and 62.4% achieve end of treatment response (ETR). Egyptian patients had a higher rate achieving SVR than non-Egyptian patients (56.3% vs. 47.8%). IL-28B rs12979860 CC genotype not only favored SVR (OR = 3.95, 95%CI = 3.03-5.16), regardless of citizenship, but also favored RVR (OR = 3.82, 95%CI = 2.46-5.95) and ETR (OR = 4.22, 95%CI = 2.81-6.34). IL-28B rs8099917 genotype TT also correlated with SVR (OR = 3.41, 95%CI = 1.92-6.07), but might not with RVR. IL-28B rs12980275 might still correlate with SVR, but warrant more studies to validate.

CONCLUSIONS

The favorable IL-28B rs12979860 genotype is a statistically significant predictor of SVR, RVR and ETR in HCV-4 monoinfected patients treated with Peg-IFN plus Rbv. Rs8099917 might predict SVR but not RVR. Egyptian HCV-4 patients would achieve better outcomes than non-Egyptian patients when treated with standard care.

Association of IL28B polymorphism with fibrosis, liver inflammation, gender respective natural history of hepatitis C virus in Egyptian patients with genotype 4

The polymorphism of interleukin 28B (IL28B) rs12979860 is associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 (G4). However, there is no information on its interaction with gender, moreover its association with intrahepatic inflammation in North Africans is not studied and its association with fibrosis in North Africans (especially Egyptians) is controversial. This study aims to explore the association between the minor allele of the IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism with gender, fibrosis and necroinflammation in Egyptian G4 HCV patients. IL28B rs12979860 was genotyped in 224 individuals, including 100 healthy controls and 124 consecutive patients with chronic HCV. Results showed (1) IL28B rs12979860 minor alleles associated with susceptibity to chronic HCV mainly in men not women, (2) no association between IL28B rs12979860 with fibrosis and necroinflammation activity, (3) the IL28B rs12979860 TT genotype associated with severe fibrosis in women only and with the necroinflammation activity in men using a recessive model. In conclusion, the IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism is not associated with fibrosis and liver inflammation in Egyptian HCV G4. Nonetheless, the TT genotype of IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism affects the natural history of each gender independently.

Relationship between IL-10 gene -1082A/G and -592C/A polymorphisms and the risk of hepatitis C infection: a meta-analysis

Increasing evidence suggests that interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene promoter polymorphisms may be associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCV clearance. To more precisely estimate the association between these variants and the risk of HCV infection, we performed a meta-analysis of 26 studies describing the IL-10-1082A/G, -819C/T, -592C/A genotypes, including 4039 chronic HCV infection cases and 2902 controls. When compared with a healthy population, the -1082GG allele had a 43% increased risk of chronic HCV infection in combined populations (GG vs GA + AA: odds ratio (OR) = 1.433, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.052-1.952, P = 0.023). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a significant increased risk was associated with the -1082GG genotype in the Caucasian population (GG vs AA: OR = 1.390, 95% CI: 1.108-1.744, P = 0.004; GG vs GA + AA: OR = 1.621, 95% CI: 1.267-2.075, P = 0.000). However, no significant association was found in Asian, African or Chinese populations. Moreover, a higher distribution of -592A was found in the spontaneously recovered population (AA vs CC: OR = 0.585, 95% CI = 0.387-0.884, P = 0.011; AA + AC vs CC: OR = 0.738, 95% CI = 0.551-0.988, P = 0.041; AA vs AC + CC: OR = 0.788, 95% CI = 0.664-0.935, P = 0.006) than that in the chronic HCV infection population. In conclusion, the IL-10-1082GG allele may increase the risk of chronic HCV infection in Caucasian population, and people carrying the IL-10-592A allele are more likely to clear HCV spontaneously.

Differentially regulated gene expression associated with hepatitis C virus clearance

Human chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections pose a significant public health threat, necessitating the development of novel treatments and vaccines. HCV infections range from spontaneous resolution to end-stage liver disease. Approximately 10-30% of HCV infections undergo spontaneous resolution independent of treatment by yet-to-be-defined mechanisms. These individuals test positive for anti-HCV antibodies in the absence of detectable viral serum RNA. To identify genes associated with HCV clearance, this study compared gene expression profiles between current drug users chronically infected with HCV and drug users who cleared their HCV infection. This analysis identified 91 differentially regulated (up- or downregulated by twofold or more) genes potentially associated with HCV clearance. The majority of genes identified were associated with immune function, with the remaining genes categorized either as cancer related or 'other'. Identification of factors and pathways that may influence virus clearance will be essential to the development of novel treatment strategies.