Functional polymorphisms in microRNA gene and hepatitis B risk among Asian population: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Hepatology

Background:

• MicroRNA (miRNA) gene mutations can alter gene expression, potentially increasing disease risk.
• The association between miRNA gene polymorphisms and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection risk is not well-established, with existing studies yielding inconclusive results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive review and meta-analysis to precisely estimate the association between polymorphisms in miRNA genes and the risk of developing hepatitis B.
• To identify specific miRNA gene variations that may influence hepatitis B susceptibility, particularly in the Asian population.

Main Methods:

• A systematic digital search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, and CBM databases was conducted for relevant studies published up to February 18, 2014.
• Ten case-control studies comprising 6042 hepatitis B patients and 6834 healthy controls were included in the meta-analysis.
• Nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes were analyzed: miR-34b/c, miR-196a-2, miR-146a, miR-499, miR-122, miR-149, miR-106b-25, miR-let-7c, and miR-218.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis identified that specific alleles/carriers of miR-196a-2*T, miR-122*del, miR-106b-25*A, and miR-let-7c*del significantly increase the risk of hepatitis B in the Asian population.
• Conversely, polymorphisms in miR-146a, miR-499, miR-149, miR-218, and miR-34b/c were not found to be significantly associated with hepatitis B risk.
• The findings suggest a population-specific genetic influence of certain miRNA polymorphisms on hepatitis B susceptibility.

Conclusions:

• Specific microRNA gene polymorphisms, including miR-196a-2, miR-122, miR-106b-25, and miR-let-7c, are associated with an increased risk of hepatitis B in the Asian population.
• Polymorphisms in miR-146a, miR-499, miR-149, miR-218, and miR-34b/c do not appear to be linked to hepatitis B risk.
• Further research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the association between microRNA gene mutations and hepatitis B susceptibility.