Chronic viral hepatitis and the human genome

Combined effect of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms on susceptibility to liver cirrhosis in Tunisian HCV-infected patients

“…Today, there is an increasing evidence that the immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV), in particular, the cell-mediated response and the host genetic factors contribute to the natural history of HCV infection [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Clinical research showed the prominent role of T helper cell type 1 (Th1) or pro-inflammatory and type 2 (Th2) or anti-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. Indeed, a positive correlation between Th1 cytokine levels or Th1-type cell percentage and histological fibrosis or progressive liver injury in chronic hepatitis C was detected [7].…”

Bi-allelic presence of the interleukin-10 receptor 1 G330R allele is associated with cirrhosis in chronic HCV-1 infection

“…Some evidence for the involvement of host genetic factors in the outcome of HCV infection exists. [13][14][15] Antiviral therapy of CHC with pegylated interferon alfa-2a or -2b and ribavirin yields HCV eradication rates from 54 to 56% 16,17 and sustained response might diminish fibrosis. 18 However, antiviral therapy carries substantial morbidity at high costs.…”

Association of low-density lipoprotein receptor polymorphisms and outcome of hepatitis C infection

“…18 The degree of inflammation, the severity of fibrosis and response to therapy are likely to be influenced by host factors. Increasing research activity focuses on the elucidation of host genetic factors affecting disease progression in hepatitis C. 19,20 Case-control studies have identified associations with HCV persistence and polymorphisms in histocompatibility antigens (HLA), 20,21 cytokine genes such as TNF-␣, IL-10 and TGF-␤1 [22][23][24] as well as the hemochromatosis (HFE) gene [25][26][27] have been correlated with parameters of HCV infection.…”