HLA antigens in Greek patients with cholelithiasis

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Gastroenterology
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a common gastrointestinal disorder.
• The role of genetic factors in gallstone formation, especially cholesterol gallstones, is increasingly recognized.
• Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes are crucial for immune response and have been implicated in various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-A and B antigen distribution and cholelithiasis in a Greek population.
• To determine if specific HLA antigens correlate with disease subtypes, such as cholesterol gallstones or a family history of gallstones.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted involving 100 patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis and 202 healthy individuals of Greek origin.
• HLA-A and B antigen frequencies were analyzed and compared between the patient and control groups.
• Statistical analysis included calculating p-values and relative risks (RR) to assess the significance of observed associations.

Main Results:

• An increased frequency of the HLA-Aw19 antigen was observed in patients with cholelithiasis (33%) compared to healthy controls (22%) (p < 0.05, RR 1.7).
• The association of HLA-Aw19 was stronger in patients with a family history of gallstones (44%, RR 2.7) and those with cholesterol gallstones (44%, RR 2.5).
• No significant difference in HLA-Aw19 frequency was found in patients without a family history or with mixed gallstones.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a potential genetic predisposition to cholesterol gallstone disease linked to the HLA-Aw19 antigen in the Greek population.
• HLA-Aw19 may play a role in the susceptibility to developing cholesterol gallstones, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition.