Interleukin-10 promoter polymorphisms are associated with the mode and sequel of HbeAg seroconversion in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Abstract

Background: The influence of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) gene promoter polymorphisms on the mode and sequel of HBeAg seroconversion (a favorable event usually) in patients with chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has not been clarified.Patients and methods: IL‐10 genotyping and haplotype analyses of 340 HBsAg carriers and 100 volunteers with self‐limiting HBV infection from southern China, a high prevalent area of HBV were performed according to the single nucleotide polymorphisms in its promoter (−1082, −819 and −592) using a competitively differentiated PCR.Results: High‐producer genotype (GG at −1082) or haplotype (GCC) was rarely found in patients from southern China (<1%). Intermediate‐producer haplotype (ACC) was closely associated with chronic liver disease (P=0.004); compared with this, low‐producer genotype (AA at –592) and haplotype (ATA) were closely associated with asymptomatic carriers (P=0.035 and 0.035). Intermediate‐producer genotype (AC at –592) and haplotype (ACC) were closely associated with covert seroconversion of HBeAg (P=0.0086 and 0.0013) and progressive sequel after HBeAg seroconversion (P=0.013 and 0.0008), while, low‐producer genotype (AA at –592) and haplotype (ATA) were closely associated with overt seroconversion of HBeAg (P=0.0023 and 0.0061) and silent sequel after HBeAg seroconversion (P=0.0009 and 0.001).Conclusions: IL‐10 gene promoter polymorphisms significantly influence the mode and sequel of HBeAg seroconversion in patients with chronic HBV infection.

Part of CIRS Nexus · Curated by Lauren Lowenstein, The Biotoxin Lady