Haplotype Analysis of Hemochromatosis Gene Polymorphisms in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Case Control Study.
BACKGROUND
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequently associated with elevated serum iron markers. Polymorphisms in the hemochromatosis (HFE) genes are responsible for iron accumulation in most cases of hemochromatosis, and may play a role in HCV infection.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the prevalence of HFE gene polymorphisms in a group of Iranian HCV-infected patients, and to explore the association of these polymorphisms with HCV infection.


METHODS
HFE gene polymorphisms were examined in a total of 69 HCV patients and 69 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques. Haplotype and diplotype analyses were performed using PHASE software.


RESULTS
In a recessive analysis model of the His63Asp (H63D) locus (HH vs. HD + DD), the HH genotype was more common in patients compared to controls (adjusted P = 0.012; OR = 6.42 [95% CI: 1.51 - 27.33]). Also, in a recessive analysis model of the Cys282Tyr (C282Y) locus (CC vs. CY + YY), the CC genotype was more frequent in patients compared to controls (adjusted P = 0.03; OR = 5.06 [95% CI: 1.13 - 22.06]). In addition, there was a significant association between the HC haplotype and the HCDC diplotype and HCV infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Polymorphism in the hemochromatosis gene may confer some degree of risk for HCV infection, and individuals carrying the H and C alleles may be susceptible to this disease; however, a larger sample of HCV patients and healthy individuals may be necessary to further illustrate the role of these polymorphisms in HCV.
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IR Iran; Department of Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.
Sina
S
Gerayli
Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran; Division of Applied Medicine, Medical School, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
Alireza
A
Pasdar
Department of Biostatistics, Public Health School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran.
Mohammad Taghi
MT
Shakeri
Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran.
Samaneh
S
Sepahi
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghaem Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran.
Seyed Mousalreza
SM
Hoseini
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghaem Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran.
Mitra
M
Ahadi
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IR Iran; The Influenza Centre, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.
Sina
S
Rostami
Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IR Iran.
Zahra
Z
Meshkat
Hemochromatosis (HFE) Gene Polymorphisms; Hepatitis C Virus; Prognosis