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Published on: March 24, 2015
Genetic influence of IFN-γ gene polymorphisms on hepatitis C progression and recovery
Khair Rafiq1, Sanaullah Khan1, Muhammad Bar Khan1
1Institute of Zoological Sciences, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Insights
Certain gene variations in interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interferon gamma receptor-1 (IFN-γR1) are linked to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection outcomes. Specific genotypes may increase susceptibility or aid in viral clearance.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses significant health risks, often leading to severe liver complications.
- Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and its receptor-1 (IFN-γR1) genes are crucial in managing viral infections.
- Genetic variations in these genes may influence the course and outcome of HCV infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between polymorphisms in the IFN-γ and IFN-γR1 genes and outcomes of HCV infection.
- To analyze the genetic influences of specific gene variants on susceptibility and clearance of HCV.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 320 participants (160 HCV patients and 160 healthy controls).
- HCV patients were categorized into spontaneous viral clearance (SVC), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and sustained virological response (SVR) groups.
- Genotyping of IFN-γ intron-1 and IFN-γR1 promoter regions was performed using PCR and Sanger sequencing.
Main Results:
- IFN-γ genotype AT was significantly more prevalent in CHC patients (57.0%), while TT genotype was higher in SVC (54.0%).
- IFN-γR1 genotype TC was frequent in CHC patients (42.60%), whereas CC genotype was more common in SVC (48.0%).
- Significant associations were found between specific genotypes and HCV infection outcomes (p<0.0001).
Conclusions:
- The IFN-γ AT and IFN-γR1 TC genotypes are associated with increased susceptibility to Hepatitis C.
- The IFN-γ TT and IFN-γR1 CC genotypes may play a role in influencing viral recovery or clearance in HCV infection.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant health concern that leads to liver complications. The interferon gamma (INF-γ) and interferon gamma receptor-1 (IFN-γR1) genes play role in viral infections. This study aims to analyse the genetic influences of IFN-γ and IFN-γR1 genes polymorphisms on HCV infection outcomes.
Methodology:
This cross-sectional study comprised 320 subjects, were classified in to two groups; 160 HCV patients and 160 healthy controls. The HCV patients included 50 subjects with spontaneous viral clearance (SVC), 80 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and 30 subjects with sustained virological responder (SVR). RNA and DNA were extracted from blood samples. HCV detection and genotyping was performed through PCR. The intron-1 of INF-γ and promoter of IFN-γR1 genes were amplified through PCR and sequenced through Sanger's method.
Results:
The frequency of TT, AT and AA genotypes of IFN-γ at + 874 in HCV positive patients was 62(38.75 %), 64(40 %) and 34(21.5 %); in healthy individuals 73(46.0 %), 61(38.12 %) and 26(16.0 %) (p = 0.153). Genotype AT was significantly high in CHC patients 45(57.0 %) while the TT was considerably high in SVC 27(54.0 %) (p < 0.0001). The frequency of TT, TC, and CC genotypes of IFN-γR1 at -56 was 41(25.64 %), 56(35.0 %), and 63(39.36 %) in HCV patients, while 61(38.13 %), 33(20.63 %) and 66(41.25) in healthy controls (p = 0.0001). The TC genotype was detected high in CHC 34(42.60 %) while the CC was observed more in SVC 24(48.0 %) (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
IFN-γ AT and IFN-γR1 TC genotypes are associated with Hepatitis C susceptibility, while IFN-γ TT and IFN-γR1 CC may influence recovery.
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