Lack of association between microsomal triglyceride transfer protein gene polymorphism and liver steatosis in HCV-infected patients

Abstract

Objectives It has been shown that the HCV-core protein reduces the activity of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and could lead to steatosis in HCV-infected patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of a functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the MTP gene (493G/T) on the development of HCV-related steatosis. Methods Eighty-six chronic hepatitis C patients were studied to assess: the effects of body mass index, age, HCV genotype, and 493G/T MTP polymorphism on steatosis. Results Steatosis was observed in 39 patients (45.3%). The 493G/T MTP polymorphism were not related to the development of steatosis. Conclusion The functional G/T MTP polymorphism do not seem to play any role in the development of steatosis in chronic hepatitis C.