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Updated: Mar 23, 2026

High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Interferon lambda and hepatitis C virus core protein polymorphisms associated with liver cancer.
João Paulo Moreira1, Fernanda de Mello Malta1, Márcio Augusto Diniz2
1Laboratory of Tropical Gastroenterology and Hepatology "João Alves de Queiroz and Castorina Bittencourt Alves", LIM-07, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Gastroenterology, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to liver cancer. Specific Interferon lambda (IFNL) gene variations and HCV core protein mutations may increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a progressive disease leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- HCC is a major global health concern, ranking as the fifth most common cancer worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific Interferon lambda (IFNL) gene polymorphisms and HCV core protein mutations with the development of HCC.
- To identify potential biomarkers for predicting HCC risk in HCV-infected patients.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of IFNL polymorphisms (rs8099917, rs12979860, rs12980275) in 59 HCC patients and 50 cirrhotic patients without HCC.
- Analysis of mutations in the HCV core protein.
Main Results:
- The rs12980275-AG genotype showed a significant association with HCC (OR 2.42, P=0.043).
- HCV core substitutions R70Q and L91M were prevalent in genotype 1b isolates.
- A borderline association was observed between Glutamine at position 70 and the IFNL3 genotype AG (P=0.054).
Conclusions:
- Screening for IFNL polymorphisms and analyzing HCV core protein mutations could aid in identifying individuals at high risk for HCC.
- These findings may inform clinical practice for targeted HCC surveillance and prevention strategies.
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