An Intronic Variant in the GRP78, a Stress-Associated Gene, Improves Prediction for Liver Cirrhosis in Persistent HBV Carriers
2011

Genetic Variant in GRP78 Gene Linked to Liver Cirrhosis in HBV Carriers

Sample size: 701 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zhu Xiao, Chen Lianzhou, Fan Wenguo, Lin Marie C. M., Tian Linwei, Wang Min, Lin Sheng, Wang Zifeng, Zhang Jinfang, Wang Jinlong, Yao Hong, Kung Hsiangfu, Li Dongpei

Primary Institution: Cancer Institute, Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China

Hypothesis

The rs430397 variant in the GRP78 gene may be a contributing factor to HBV infection and/or HBV-related cirrhosis.

Conclusion

The rs430397 polymorphism may increase the risk of liver cirrhosis in persistent HBV carriers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients with liver cirrhosis were more likely to carry the A allele of rs430397.
  • The AA genotype was found more frequently in liver cirrhosis patients compared to non-HBV-infected individuals.
  • The rs430397 genotype was associated with increased susceptibility to liver cirrhosis in a dose-dependent manner.

Takeaway

A specific genetic change can make some people more likely to get liver cirrhosis if they have a long-term hepatitis B infection.

Methodology

701 HBV-infected patients were recruited and genotyped for the rs430397 variant to assess its association with liver cirrhosis.

Limitations

The study was limited by the small number of patients.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 701 HBV-infected patients from Southern China, with 205 having self-limited infections and 496 having persistent infections.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.005

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0021997

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