Genetic influence of IFN-γ gene polymorphisms on hepatitis C progression and recovery.

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.