Detection of BCL2 Polymorphism in Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

摘要

Introduction: Despite advances in the knowledge of the molecular virology of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the mechanisms of hepatocellular injury in HCV infection are not completely understood. Hepatitis C viral infection (HCV) influences the susceptibility to apoptosis. This could lead to insufficient antiviral immune response and persistent viral infection. Aim of this study: Is to examine whether BCL-2 gene polymorphism at codon 43 (+127G/A or Ala43Thr) has an impact on development of hepatocellular carcinoma caused by chronic hepatitis C infection among Egyptian patients. Subjects and Methods: The study included three groups; group 1: composed of 30 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), group 2 composed of 30 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) and group 3 composed of 30 healthy subjects matching the same age and socioeconomic status were taken as a control group. Gene polymorphism of BCL2 (Ala43Thr) was evaluated by Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniqueand measured for all patients and controls. Results: The summed 43Thr genotype was more frequent and statistically significant in HCC patients as compared to control group. This genotype of BCL2 gene may inhibit the programmed cell death which leads to disturbance in tissue and cells homeostasis and reduction in immune regulation. This result leads to viral replication and HCV persistence. Moreover, virus produces variety of mechanisms to block genes participated in apoptosis. This mechanism proves that CHC patients who have 43Thr genotype are more susceptible to HCC. Correlation coefficients between AFP versus ALT and AST were statistically significant. Conclusion: The data investigated for the first time that BCL2 polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility to in Egyptian populations and might be used as molecular markers for evaluating risk. This study clearly demonstrated that CHCexhibit a deregulation of apoptosis with the disease progression. This provides an insight into the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C infection, and may contribute to the therapy.