Association of PD-1.9 polymorphism with the risk of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: This case-control study aimed to determine the association between PD-1.9 polymorphism and the risk of HCC in the cohort of chronic HBV-infected patients. Subject and method: Genotyping of PD-1.9 polymorphism was performed by direct sanger sequencing in 499 HBV-infected patients. Patients were assigned into two groups, including CHB (n = 193) and HCC (n=306) based on clinical manifestations. Binary logistic regression adjusted for age and gender was performed to analyze the association of PD-1.9 variant with liver disease progression applying for different genetic models. Result: The frequencies of genotype PD-1.9 TT and minor allele T were significantly higher in HCC patients compared to CHB patients; genotype PD-1.9 TT: co-dominant model, OR = 2.1 (1.01-4.3), padj=0.047 and recessive model, OR = 1.8 (1.1-3.6), padj=0.042; allele PD-1.9 T: OR = 1.3 (1.1-1.8), padj=0.029. In addition, AFP levels were significantly higher in patients with genotype PD-1.9 TT compared to CT/CC genotype. Conclusion: This study, for the first time, reveals the association between PD-1.9 variant and the risk of HCC development in chronic HBV infection.