Genetic association of paraoxonase-1 polymorphisms and chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with hepatic free radical formation and enhanced lipid peroxidation and an individual's antioxidant status may play an important role. Paraoxonase-1 is an esterase that degrades oxidised lipids. In the present study, we investigated the genetic association of the most important paraoxonase-1 gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to HCV-related chronic hepatitis.


METHODS
Paraoxonase-1 polymorphisms at positions -107, 55 and 192 were analysed from the genomic DNA of 186 patients and 386 healthy volunteers, as well as the serum concentration of total peroxides and standard biochemical tests.


RESULTS
Patients with chronic hepatitis had a higher frequency of the RR isoform of the 192 polymorphism than healthy subjects (13% vs. 7%, P<0.05). There were no significant differences with respect to the -107 and 55 polymorphisms. The plasma concentration of peroxides was higher in patients with chronic hepatitis [349.5 (246.2-479.8) vs. 115.4 (95.7-172.3) mumol/L; P<0.001].


CONCLUSIONS
The present study suggests that the paraoxonase-1 192 polymorphism contributes, together with other polymorphisms, to the variations in the host response to HCV infection.
DNA Unit, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic Universitari, C. Villarroel 170, 08036-Barcelona, Spain.
Natàlia
N
Ferré
Judit
J
Marsillach
Jordi
J
Camps
Anna
A
Rull
Blai
B
Coll
Mònica
M
Tous
Jorge
J
Joven
D000328:Adult; D043303:Aryldialkylphosphatase / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000502:physiology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*
D043303:Aryldialkylphosphatase