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Published on: December 15, 2023
Genetic association between CD44 polymorphisms and chronic hepatitis B virus infection in a Chinese Han population
1Liver Fibrosis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, 302 Military Hospital of China Beijing 100039, China.
Insights
CD44 gene variations are linked to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the Chinese Han population. These CD44 polymorphisms act as risk factors and interact synergistically, increasing susceptibility to HBV infection.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the genetic factors influencing HBV susceptibility is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- CD44, a cell surface glycoprotein, plays roles in immune cell trafficking and inflammation, potentially influencing HBV pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between CD44 gene polymorphisms (rs187115 and rs13347) and chronic HBV infection in the Chinese Han population.
- To analyze the potential interaction between these CD44 polymorphisms in the context of HBV infection.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of CD44 polymorphisms (rs187115, rs13347) using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).
- Case-control study involving 108 HBV-infected individuals and 130 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis including Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, chi-squared test, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and crossover analysis for interaction.
Main Results:
- The GG genotype and G allele of CD44 rs187115 were significantly more frequent in HBV-infected cases compared to controls (P=0.02, P=0.04).
- Carriers of mutant genotypes (CT, TT) and the combined CT+TT genotype of CD44 rs13347 exhibited a significantly higher risk of HBV infection (OR=1.99-3.56).
- The T allele of rs13347 also increased the risk of HBV infection (OR=1.98). A positive interaction was observed between the two CD44 polymorphisms.
Conclusions:
- CD44 polymorphisms (rs187115 and rs13347) are associated with chronic HBV infection in the Chinese Han population.
- These CD44 polymorphisms function as risk factors for HBV infection.
- A synergistic interaction between the studied CD44 polymorphisms contributes to increased susceptibility to chronic HBV infection.
Aims:
This article aimed at discussing the association of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with CD44 polymorphisms in Chinese Han population; meanwhile, the interaction of polymorphisms was also analyzed based on chronic HBV infection.
Methods:
The genotyping of CD44 polymorphisms was conducted by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 108 HBV infected and 130 healthy persons. The genotype distributions of CD44 rs187115, rs13347 in the control group were checked by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The strength of the relevance between polymorphism and disease was measured by odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated by χ(2) test. The 2×4 crossover analysis method was used to conduct the interaction analysis of polymorphisms.
Results:
The genotype distributions in controls conformed to HWE. GG genotype and G allele frequencies in rs187115 were obviously higher in cases than the controls (P=0.02, 0.04). Compared with the common genotype CC, individual who carried mutant genotypes (CT and TT) of rs13347 had a significantly high risk to suffer from HBV infection (OR=1.99, P=0.02 for CT; OR=3.56, P=3.00×10(-3) for TT), furthermore, CT+TT genotype also showed a high susceptibility (OR=2.27, P=2.00×10(-3)). Similarly, T allele of rs13347 increased 0.98 times risk in cases compared with controls (OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.34-2.92). The two polymorphisms in CD44 presented a positive interaction.
Conclusion:
CD44 polymorphisms are associated with chronic HBV infection as the risk factors, and the synergistic action is also found between the two polymorphisms.
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