Study of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 1B gene polymorphism in relation to the outcomes of HCV infection

Objective To investigate the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 1B gene (TNFRSF1B) polymorphism in relation to the outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods One thousand six hundred and forty-five cases without HCV infection, 545 cases with HCV clearance, and 783 cases with chronic HCV infection were enrolled. TaqMan probe method was used to investigate genotype rs1061622 (T > G) and rs1061624 (G > A). Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) sites were genotyped and haplotypes were constructed to evaluate their relation with the outcome of HCV infection. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that there was no relation to the two SNPs with HCV infection susceptibility and chronicity (P > 0.05). Haplotype analysis showed that carrier TA had an increased susceptibility to HCV infection [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 to 1.30, P = 0.038)]. Carrier TA and GG haplotypes were conducive to chronic HCV infection (adjusted OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.53, P = 0.006; OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.66, P = 0.026). Conclusion The combinational effects of rs1061622 and rs1061624 in TNFRSF1B gene may increase the risk of HCV chronicity and infection. Key words: Hepatitis C virus; Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1B; Gene polymorphism; Chronicity