Recipient interleukin 6 gene polymorphism and expression predict HCV recurrence post liver transplantation

Area of Science:

• Immunogenetics
• Hepatology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Liver transplantation (LTX) is a critical treatment for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) caused by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
• Disease recurrence, particularly HCV recurrence, is a significant post-LTX complication.
• Cytokines are crucial in the immune responses following LTX.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between IL-6 gene polymorphism (G174C) and HCV recurrence post-LTX.
• To evaluate the correlation of IL-6 mRNA and protein levels with HCV recurrence after liver transplantation.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of the IL-6 G174C polymorphism using PCR Allelic Discrimination.
• Quantification of IL-6 mRNA in PBMCs via qRT-PCR.
• Measurement of plasma IL-6 protein levels using ELISA in 76 LTX recipients.

Main Results:

• The IL-6 GG genotype and G allele were more prevalent in LTX recipients with HCV recurrence compared to non-recurrent patients and healthy controls.
• No significant difference was observed in IL-6 mRNA levels between recurrent and non-recurrent patients.
• Elevated plasma IL-6 protein levels were significantly associated with HCV recurrence post-LTX.

Conclusions:

• The -174 G/G IL-6 genotype is a risk factor for HCV recurrence after liver transplantation.
• Elevated circulating IL-6 protein levels are indicative of increased risk for HCV recurrence post-LTX.
• These genetic and protein markers can help identify patients at higher risk for HCV recurrence.