Abstract
We explored the relationship between HLA-DRB1 allele polymorphisms and familial aggregation of hepatocellular carcinoma (fhcc). Polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers were used to determine HLA-DRB1 genotypes for 130 members of families with 2 or more liver cancer patients and for 130 members of families without any diagnosed cancers. The genotype profiles were then compared to explore the relationship between HLA-DRB1 gene polymorphism and fhcc. Of 11 selected alleles, the frequencies of DRB1*11 and DRB1*12 were significantly lower in the fhcc group than in no-cancer group (p < 0.05; odds ratio: 0.286; 95% confidence interval: 0.091 to 0.901; and odds ratio: 0.493; 95% confidence interval: 0.292 to 0.893). Differences in the frequencies of the other 9 alleles were not statistically significant in the two groups (p > 0.05). Our research suggests that if genetic factors play a role in fhcc, the deficiency in the DRB1*11 and DRB1*12 alleles might be the risk factor at work in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P.R.C.
Highlights
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary tumour of liver
Our research suggests that if genetic factors play a role in fhcc, the deficiency in the DRB1*11 and
In areas of low hcc incidence, diverse environmental factors including chronic infection with hbv or hepatitis C virus, heavy alcohol use, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco use have been shown to contribute to the local burden of hcc[3,4,5]
Summary
Hcc constitutes an important problem for health care systems because of its high morbidity, mortality, and increasing incidence[1]. It is the 5th most common cancer in men, the 7th most common in women, and the 3rd most frequent cause of cancer death. Estimates suggest that the incidence of hcc will continue to rise into the foreseeable future[2] This aggressive tumour usually develops in a cirrhotic liver with limited functional reserve, and without treatment, survival after diagnosis is short. China and Africa are areas of high hcc incidence, where the primary cause of hcc is chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (hbv), with dietary exposure to aflatoxin being an important cofactor. The facts that only a small proportion of the people with established risk factors eventually develop hcc and that hcc can cluster within families both suggest that genetic factors might play a role in the development of hcc
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