The role of IL-4 gene polymorphism in HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients

Background Interleukin-4 (IL-4), a pleiotropic anti-inflammatory cytokine, is produced mainly by activated T helper 2 (Th2). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a typical inflammation-related cancer. Alterations influencing IL-4 expression may disturb immune response and may be associated with HCC risk. We aimed to verify role of IL4 gene polymorphism ( IL-4-589C/T (rs2243250 )) in HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients. IL-4-589C/T (rs2243250 ) polymorphism was examined in 50 patients with HCC on top of HCV, 40 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis, and 30 healthy controls using the polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results Overall IL-4 gene polymorphism ( IL-4-589C/T (rs2243250 )) showed significant difference between hepatocellular carcinoma group versus liver cirrhosis and healthy control groups. TT homozygous genotype was more prevalent in HCC group (24%) versus (5%) in liver cirrhosis and (3.3%) in control. TT homozygous genotype had 10 times more risk of hepatocellular carcinoma versus healthy control group and 6.33 times more risk versus cirrhotic patients group ( p value = 0.018 and 0.016 respectively). Conclusion IL-4-589C/T (rs2243250) polymorphism, TT homozygous genetic model, may be a risk factor in HCV-related HCC in Egyptian patients.