Chitinase 3-like 1 gene (T/C) polymorphism and serum YKL-40 levels in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

The chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) gene encodes the YKL-40 protein. Serum YKL-40 levels are controlled by polymorphisms in the CHI3L1 gene. We aimed to examine the association of the rs880633 (T/C) polymorphism in the CHI3L1 gene with serum YKL-40 levels and to evaluate the role of this polymorphism as a risk factor for HCC and its effect on patient survival. A total of 225 subjects were categorized into two groups: group I included 120 patients with HCC, and group II involved 105 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Genotypes of the rs880633 (T/C) polymorphism in the CHI3L1 gene were analyzed using an allele discrimination assay with real-time PCR, and serum YKL-40 levels were determined using an ELISA technique. A significant difference in the genotype frequency of the T/C polymorphism in the CHI3L1 gene was observed between the two groups, with an increase in the frequency of the CC genotype observed among patients with HCC. Regarding the allelic distribution, the C allele was significantly predominant in patients, with HCC presenting with an increased HCC risk compared to the T allele. Subjects with the CC genotype had the highest serum YKL-40 levels, followed by those with the TC genotype, while subjects with the TT genotype had the lowest serum YKL-40 levels. An analysis of the overall survival of HCC patients revealed that patients with both the CC and CT genotypes displayed a significantly shorter survival rate than patients carrying the TT genotype. Conclusions: The rs880633 polymorphism in the CHI3L1 gene may be a risk element for HCC. Patients with the CC genotype displayed the highest serum YKL-40 levels, which were linked to poor prognosis.