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Association of BAFF −871C/T Promoter Polymorphism with Hepatitis C-Related Mixed Cryoglobulinemia in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients

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Abstract

Background

Hepatitis C infection is a major health problem worldwide, especially in Egypt. The high prevalence of mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) in hepatitis C patients leads to the assumption that there is a direct link between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and cryoglobulinemia. Host genetic factors could be a contributing factor. B cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family member, which has an essential role in B lymphocyte development and survival. The aim of the present work was to study the possible association between the BAFF −871C/T promoter polymorphism and HCV-related MC in a cohort of Egyptian patients.

Methods

The study was conducted in 120 HCV patients classified into two groups: group I (60 HCV patients with MC) and group II (60 HCV patients without MC), with 60 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. BAFF −871C/T genotyping was performed in all subjects by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

The prevalence of the BAFF −871TT genotype was significantly increased in HCV patients compared with the control group (P = 0.036). The BAFF TT genotype was also significantly more prevalent in group I (HCV–MC patients) than in group II (HCV patients without MC) [P < 0.001].

Conclusion

A significant association was found between the BAFF −871C/T promoter polymorphism and MC, which may indicate that BAFF could be a potential therapeutic target in HCV–MC.

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Acknowledgments and disclosures

No funding was obtained for the authors to conduct this research. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are relevant to the content of this article.

Author contributions

Mona W. Ayad suggested the research project, established the laboratory, participated in writing the article, and is the guarantor for the overall content of this article. Amany A. Elbanna participated in establishing the research project, provided access to patients, performed examinations and ultrasonography, and participated in writing the article. Dalia A. Elneily performing laboratory work and participated in revising the article. Amany S. Sakr performed laboratory work, such as sampling, participated in data collection from patients and control subjects, and participated in writing the article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

    Mona Wagdy Ayad, Dalia A. Elneily & Amany S. Sakr

  2. Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

    Amany A. Elbanna

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  1. Mona Wagdy Ayad
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Correspondence to Mona Wagdy Ayad.

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Ayad, M.W., Elbanna, A.A., Elneily, D.A. et al. Association of BAFF −871C/T Promoter Polymorphism with Hepatitis C-Related Mixed Cryoglobulinemia in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients. Mol Diagn Ther 19, 99–106 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40291-015-0134-7

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