Host cytokine genetic polymorphisms in a selected population of persons living with hepatitis B virus infection in the central region of Ghana
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Gastroenterology
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health concern in resource limited settings like Ghana. Over
the past decades, it is noted that the natural course of HBV in persons infected are taking a worse turn leading to liver
cirrhosis and cancer. The outcome of HBV infection is influenced by viral and host factors including genetics. Cytokine
variations affect virus survival and progression and may even influence associated complications. Cytokines such
as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18), interferon gamma (IFN)-γ, and tumor
growth factor-beta (TGF-β) have key roles in HBV infection and modulation. In this study, polymorphisms occurring
in fve cytokines were analyzed to understand how they can influence prognosis of HBV infection.
Methods The study is a single centre cross-sectional study involving 227 participants made up of HBV infected
participants and HBV-negative controls. Recruitment was from March 2021 to April 2022. Blood samples were
taken for full blood count, HBV antigen profile, liver function tests, HBV DNA quantification and cytokine genotyping. FIB score was calculated using available tools. Statistical analysis was undertaken with p<0.05 set as statistically
significant.
Results The 20–39-year-old group formed majority of the HBV infected participants with 60% of all participants
being classified as healthy HBsAg carriers. IL2 rs1479920 GG carriers ((1258.93; 0.00–5011.87) IU/mL had reduced HBV
DNA in comparison to IL2 rs1479920 AA ((5011.87; 2113.49–5956.62) /AG (3548.13; 0.00–6309.57) IU/mL carriers. TNF-α
rs1800629 AA carriers (1258.93; 0.00–3981.07) IU/mL had a reduction in HBV DNA levels in comparison to TNF-α
rs1800629 GG carriers (1584.89; 0.00–5011.87) IU/mL. The results of univariate (OR=0.08, 0.00–0.93; p=0.043) and multivariate (OR=0.02, 0.00–0.67; p=0.029) analysis, showed that carrying TNF-α rs1800629 AA genotype reduce susceptibility to high FIB score compared with GG genotypes. In univariate analysis, subjects aged 20–39 years (OR=5.00,
1.13–6.10; p=0.034) and 40–59 years (OR=41.99, 3.74–47.21; p=0.0002) were more susceptible to high FIB score
compared to subjects aged 1–19 years. Being female (OR=2.42, 1.03–5.71; p=0.043) in the univariate models showed higher odds of having high levels of HBV DNA in the multivariate model. There was a reduced likelihood of herbal
medicine usage infuencing HBV DNA levels signifcantly (OR=0.29, 0.10–0.86; p=0.025).
Conclusion In conclusion, variations in IL2 rs1479920 GG and IL2 rs1479921 AA could ofer protective efects by reduc ing HBV DNA. TNF-α rs179924CT may also cause elevation in HBV DNA levels whiles TNF-α -308A/G, showed a potential
protective efect on liver scarring in HBV infected participants. It is therefore important to take a further look at such
variations for understanding of HBV modulation in the Ghanaian population.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
HBV, Cytokines, Hepatitis, Genetics