Indel 14-pb polymorphism (rs371194629) in the HLA-G gene is associated with chronic hepatitis B in a sample from Southern Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Polymorphisms in the genes that encode the proteins of the HLA complex have been investigated and strongly related to persistent infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), as well as the clinical evolution to chronicity. Objective: To evaluate the association of the 14 bp indel polymorphism (rs371194629) in the HLA-G gene with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients infected with chronic hepatitis B in southern Brazil. Method: A total of 430 individuals were analyzed, including 214 chronic hepatitis B cases and 216 controls. The 14 bp indel polymorphism was analyzed by DNA amplification using PCR. To verify the possible association between the Indel-14pb polymorphism and the chronicity of hepatitis B, odds ratios (OR) were estimated, with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). All tests employed were bilateral and p-values below 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The 14-bp Ins allele was observed in 48.6% of chronic hepatitis B cases and 42.1% of controls (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.01–1.69; p = 0.048). The results also showed that the 14-bp Ins/Ins genotype was present in 22.0% of chronic hepatitis B cases and 11.6% of controls (OR = 2.01; 95%CI: 1.14–3, 85; p = 0.010). There was a significant association between the 14 bp indel and chronic hepatitis B. Conclusion: The 14 bp indel polymorphism was associated with chronic hepatitis B in this population.