Relationship between TNF-alpha Gene Promoter Polymorphisms and Outcomes of Hepatitis B Virus Infections: A Meta-Analysis
2011

TNF-alpha Gene Polymorphisms and Hepatitis B Virus Outcomes

Sample size: 4384 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Xia Qi, Zhou LinFu, Liu Dongcheng, Chen Zhi, Chen Feng

Primary Institution: State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, College of Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China

Hypothesis

The study investigates the relationship between TNF-alpha gene promoter polymorphisms and the outcomes of hepatitis B virus infections.

Conclusion

Polymorphisms -863 CC and -308 G in the TNF-alpha gene promoter may influence the risk of hepatitis B virus persistence and clearance.

Supporting Evidence

  • The TNF-alpha -863 CC genotype was significantly associated with HBV clearance.
  • Patients with the -308 GG genotype had a higher risk of HBV persistence.
  • Ethnicity may influence the outcomes of HBV infection.

Takeaway

Some changes in a gene can affect how well your body fights off a virus like hepatitis B, making it harder or easier to get rid of it.

Methodology

A meta-analysis of 12 studies examining TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms and their association with chronic hepatitis B infection and clearance.

Potential Biases

Potential publication bias was noted in some genotype comparisons.

Limitations

The study may not account for all ethnic variations and other confounding factors affecting HBV outcomes.

Participant Demographics

Participants included individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese, Korean, Thai, Italian, Iranian, Brazilian, and German.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.04 for -863 CC vs. AA; 0.01 for -308 GG vs. GA+AA

Confidence Interval

[0.42, 0.97] for -863 CC vs. AA; [1.08, 1.70] for -308 GG vs. GA+AA

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0019606

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