IL28B is associated with outcomes of chronic HBV infection

Shi, X. et al. (2015) IL28B is associated with outcomes of chronic HBV infection. Yonsei Medical Journal, 56(3), pp. 625-633. (doi: 10.3349/ymj.2015.56.3.625) (PMID:25837166) (PMCID:PMC4397430)

Abstract

Purpose The role of IL28B gene variants and expression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are not well understood. Here, we evaluated whether IL28B gene expression and rs12979860 variations are associated with HBV outcomes.

Materials and Methods IL28B genetic variations (rs12979860) were genotyped by pyrosequencing of DNA samples from 137 individuals with chronic HBV infection [50 inactive carriers (IC), 34 chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 27 cirrhosis, 26 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)], and 19 healthy controls. IL28A/B mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined by qRT-PCR, and serum IL28B protein was measured by ELISA.

Results Patients with IL28B C/C genotype had greater IL28A/B mRNA expression and higher IL28B protein levels than C/T patients. Within the various disease stages, compared to IC and healthy controls, IL28B expression was reduced in the CHB, cirrhosis, and HCC cohorts (CHB vs. IC, p=0.02; cirrhosis vs. IC, p=0.01; HCC vs. IC, p=0.001; CHB vs. controls, p<0.01; cirrhosis vs. controls, p<0.01; HCC vs. controls, p<0.01). When stratified with respect to serum HBV markers in the IC and CHB cohorts, IL28B mRNA and protein levels were higher in HBeAg-positive than negative individuals (p=0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with high IL28B protein levels were C/C versus C/T genotype [p=0.016, odds ratio (OR)=0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.08-0.78], high alanine aminotransferase values (p<0.001, OR=8.02, 95% CI=2.64-24.4), and the IC stage of HBV infection (p<0.001).

Conclusion Our data suggest that IL28B genetic variations may play an important role in long-term development of disease in chronic HBV infections.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Xu, Dr Damo
• Authors: Shi, X., Chi, X., Pan, Y., Gao, Y., Li, W., Yang, C., Zhong, J., Xu, D., Zhang, M., Minuk, G., Jiang, J., and Niu, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Yonsei Medical Journal
• Publisher: Yonsei University College of Medicine
• ISSN: 0513-5796
• ISSN (Online): 1976-2437
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Yonsei University College of Medicine
• First Published: First published in Yonsei Medical Journal 56(3):526-633
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License