The association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and the outcomes of chronic HBV infection

Objective: To investigate whether the polymorphisms in TNF-alpha gene, IL-10 gene and IL-6 gene were associated with the outcomes of chronic HBV infection. Methods: The genotypes at the position -238 and -308 of TNF-alpha gene, -1082, -819 and -592 of IL-10 gene, - 174 of IL-6 gene in the promoter region were detected in 62 chronic hepatitis B patients, 60 asymptomatic carriers and 63 heath controls by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer assay. Results: The frequency of G/G genotype at the position - 238 in the promoter region of TNF-alpha gene increased significantly in hepatitis B patients, in comparison with that in controls (83.9% versus 66.7%, P < 0.05), whereas the frequency of G/A genotype at the same position decreased significantly in hepatitis B patients comparing with that in controls (16.1% versus 33.3%, P < 0.05). Between chronic hepatitis B patients, asymptomatic carriers and heath controls, the genotypes frequency at the position -308 of TNF-alpha gene, - 1082, - 819 and -592 of IL-10 gene, -174 of IL-6 gene in the promoter region showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The presence of G/A genotype at the position - 238 may contribute to virus elimination, whereas the presence of G/G genotype at the position -238 may lead to virus persistent infection. There were no association between IL-10 gene and IL-6 gene polymorphisms and chronic HBV infection. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.