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The potential impact of P53 and APO-1 genetic polymorphisms on hepatitis C genotype 4a susceptibility
Emad F Eskander1, Ahmed A Abd-Rabou1, Mervat S Mohamed2
1Hormones Department, Medical Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Certain P53 and APO-1 gene variations may indicate susceptibility to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4a infection. These genetic markers could aid in identifying individuals at higher risk for HCV genotype 4a.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Genetics
- Hepatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health concern, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly cirrhosis.
- The tumor suppressor gene P53 and apoptotic antigen-1 gene (APO-1) play roles in apoptosis, a mechanism crucial for controlling viral replication.
- Understanding genetic susceptibility factors is vital for managing HCV, especially genotype 4a, which is prevalent in certain regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between P53 72 Arg/Pro and APO-1 -670 A/G polymorphisms and susceptibility to HCV genotype 4a.
- To evaluate the potential of these genetic variations as biomarkers for HCV genotype 4a infection and disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of P53 (rs 1042522) and APO-1 (rs 1800682) polymorphisms in 160 HCV patients and 80 healthy controls.
- Quantification of HCV-RNA and assessment of liver fibrotic stages (Metavir scoring) in patient subgroups (F0/1 and F3/4).
- Statistical analysis of genotype and allele frequencies across different study groups.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in P53 72 (Pro/Pro, Arg/Arg) and APO-1 -670 (A/A) genotypes were observed between HCV patients and healthy individuals.
- Distinct P53 and APO-1 genotype distributions were found when comparing mild (F0/1) versus advanced (F3/4) fibrotic stages in HCV patients.
- P53 (Pro/Pro) and APO-1 (A/A) genotypes showed significant associations with HCV infection and advanced fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- P53 rs 1042522 (Pro/Pro and Arg/Arg) and APO-1 rs 1800682 (A/A) genotypes are potential genetic markers for HCV genotype 4a susceptibility.
- These genetic variations may influence disease progression and fibrotic stage development in HCV genotype 4a infected individuals.
- Further research can explore the clinical utility of these markers in predicting HCV risk and outcomes.
Abstract:
The hepatitis C virus (HCV), the main cause of morbidity and mortality, is endemic worldwide. HCV causes cirrhosis and other complications that often lead to death. HCV is most common in underdeveloped nations, with the highest prevalence rates in Egypt. Tumor suppressor gene (P53) induces the expression of apoptotic antigen-1 gene (APO-1) by binding to its promoter for mediating apoptosis; an important mechanism for limiting viral replication. This study aims at investigating the impact of P53 72 Arg/Pro and APO-1 -670 A/G polymorphisms on HCV genotype 4a susceptibility. Two hundred and forty volunteers were enrolled in this study and divided into two major groups; 160 HCV infected patient group and 80 healthy control group. HCV patients were classified according to Metavir scoring system into two subgroups; 72 patients in F0/1-HCV subgroup (patients with no or mild fibrotic stages) and 38 patients in F3/4-HCV subgroup (patients with advanced fibrotic stages). Quantification of HCV-RNA by qRT-PCR and fibrotic scores as well as genotyping of HCV-RNA, P53 at 72 Arg/Pro, and APO-1 at -670 A/G were performed for all subjects. It was resulted that F0/1-HCV patients have significant differences of P53 at 72 (Pro/Pro and Arg/Arg) genotypes and dominant/recessive genetic models as well as APO-1 -670 A/A genotype and dominant genetic model as compared to F3/4-HCV patients. Moreover, HCV patients have significant differences of P53 at 72 (Pro/Pro) genotype and recessive genetic model as well as APO-1 -670 A/A genotype and dominant genetic model as compared to those of healthy individuals. Finally, it was concluded that P53 rs 1042522 (Pro/Pro and Arg/Arg) genotypes and APO-1 rs 1800682 A/A genotype may be potentially used as sensitive genetic markers for HCV genotype 4a susceptibility.
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