IL-6 gene polymorphism predicts PEGylated IFN-α treatment response in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients.

Background

Genetic polymorphism can affect the response to antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Objective

The study examined the genetic association of the IL-6 rs1800796 polymorphism with PEGylated IFN-α (PegIFN-α) treatment response in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive CHB patients.

Methods

Direct sequencing was done for the genotyping of the rs1800796 polymorphism in the serum of CHB patients.

Results

More patients with combined response (n = 95) carried IL-6 rs1800796 GC genotypes, while CC genotype carriers possessed reduced HBeAg seroconversion rate and high values of hepatitis B virus DNA. Baseline HBsAg and HBeAg and IL-6 rs1800796 CC genotype were independently related to PegIFN-α treatment response.

Conclusion

Detection of the IL-6 rs1800796 genotype in CHB patients may have potential guiding significance for PegIFN-α response.