FOXP3 (rs 3761548) and BRAF (V600E) gene polymorphism among Egyptians with hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a universal problem. The risk factors for HCC could either be environmental or host-genetic-related. The polymorphism of both FOXP3 (rs3761548) and BRAF (V600E) genotypes and alleles was studied in 104 Egyptian HCC patients and 90 healthy subjects. There is a significant increase in the frequency of AC genotype in HCC group, while there is a significant decrease in the frequency of AA genotype in the patient’s group, compared to controls. The CC genotype is completely absent in the control group, while its frequency is 2 (1.92%) in the patient’s group. The C allele frequency is significantly increased in HCC patients (93 = 44.7%) while it is 39 (22.4%) in the control group. However, there is a significant decrease in the A allele frequency in HCC patients (115 = 55.3%) in comparison with controls (135 = 77.6%). The M allele in the BRAF gene (V600E) is significantly increased in HCC patients (90 = 43.69%) while it is 41 (22.78%) in controls. However, there is a significant decrease in the N allele frequency in HCC patients (116 = 56.31%) compared to controls (139 = 77.22%). FOXP3 (rs3761548) and BRAF (V600E) gene polymorphisms could be considered independent risk factors for HCC incidence.