Polymorphism of Pro- And Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in Chronic HBV and HCV Infection

Abstract

To date, it has been established that in the formation of the immune response the most important place belongs to the polymorphic genes of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα and the genes of their receptors. To date, convincing data on the association of single nucleotide substitutions with the features of the course of viral hepatitis have been obtained only for a small number of polymorphisms and there are no unambiguous data on the effect of polymorphism in the genes of the IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα cytokines on the pathogenesis of chronic HBV and HCV infection, and the response to treatment and development of complications. Studies have established an association of polymorphic markers of the gene IL-10 (G1082A), IL-4 (C589T) and TNFα (G308A), which are located in the promoter regions, with the degree of liver fibrosis in CHC patients. In individuals of the Negroid race, the –863A allele of the TNF-α gene is associated with HCV clearance; in addition, the wild-type –863C / –308G haplotype correlates with the persistence of viral infection, although no such relationships were found among the Caucasians. Thus, given the presence of a pathogenetic relationship between the course of chronic HBV and HCV infection and the peculiarities of the functioning of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα (regulation of inflammation and immune response and the stage of fibrotic changes in the liver), it is of particular interest to assess the role of gene polymorphism of these cytokines. in the development of chronic HBV and HCV infection, and its complications.