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Genetic distinctions between types 1 and 2 autoimmune hepatitis
A J Czaja1, M Kruger, P J Santrach
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 17, 1997
Summary
Genetic susceptibility alleles for type 1 autoimmune hepatitis in the US differ significantly from those in German patients with type 2 disease. These findings highlight regional genetic variations influencing autoimmune hepatitis prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Hepatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and type 2 AIH are distinct autoimmune liver diseases.
- Susceptibility to type 1 AIH in the United States is associated with specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles.
- The genetic basis for type 2 AIH, particularly in European populations, is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether the HLA class II alleles associated with type 1 AIH susceptibility in American patients are also prevalent in German patients with type 2 AIH.
- To compare the frequencies of specific HLA alleles between different types of AIH and geographic populations.
Main Methods:
- DNA analysis using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers was performed on 12 German patients with type 2 AIH.
- HLA class II alleles were compared between German type 2 AIH patients and a cohort of 86 American type 1 AIH patients and 102 healthy American controls.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine significant differences in allele frequencies between groups.
Main Results:
- American patients with type 1 AIH showed significantly higher frequencies of DRB1*03 (51%) and DRB1*04 alleles compared to German type 2 AIH patients.
- German patients with type 2 AIH exhibited a higher prevalence of DRB1*07, DRB1*15, and DQB1*06 alleles compared to American type 1 AIH patients and controls.
- While some alleles were more frequent in German type 2 AIH patients than US controls, these did not reach statistical significance after adjustment.
Conclusions:
- The genetic susceptibility alleles for type 1 AIH in the US are not common in German patients with type 2 AIH.
- Significant regional differences exist in the genetic profiles associated with different forms of autoimmune hepatitis.
- Population-specific genetic factors likely contribute to the varying prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis types across different geographic regions.