miR-146a G>C polymorphisms and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are thought to have a role in cancer development. We investigated the association among miR-146a G > C genetic variations, hepatitis B (HBV), and C (HCV) infection, and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unconditional logistical regression analysis suggested that the miR-146a GG genotype and G allele carried a 2.10- (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–4.37) and 1.42-fold (95 % CI = 1.07–1.92) increased HCC risk, respectively. HBV-positive subjects carrying the miR-146a GG genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 2.95, 95 % CI = 1.31–6.81) and G allele (OR = 1.65, 95 % CI = 1.15–2.58) had an increased risk of HCC. However, the miR-146a GG genotype and G allele did not carry a significantly enhanced risk of HCC in either hepatitis-negative or HCV-infected subjects. miR-146a G > C polymorphisms appear to influence susceptibility to HCC, especially in HBV-infected patients.