IL-28B single nucleotide polymorphism as a predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients with direct acting antivirals

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is considered one of the main causes of chronic liver diseases. HCV is responsible for 25% of HCC cases worldwide. DAAs represent an important step for HCV eradication. The aim was to study the role of IL-28B single nucleotide polymorphism in the prediction of HCC in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis after DAAs. Results: This study was done at Mansoura Specialized Hospital: 50 cases HCC after DAAs, 50 cases without HCC after DAAs, and 100 controls. SNPs of the IL-28B gene were genotyped. There was an insignificant difference between HCC patients and the cirrhotic group as regards genotypes (p value = 0.26) and alleles (p value = 0.77). A significant association in SNP of IL-28B between healthy individuals and the cirrhotic group was detected. C C genotype (28%) and C T (64%) genotype were more prevalent in the healthy group than in the cirrhotic group 20% and 52% respectively while T T genotype was more prevalent in cirrhotic patients (28%) than controls (8%). C allele was protective against cirrhosis with 60% distribution in healthy individuals and 46% in the cirrhotic group. T allele was more prevalent in cirrhotic (54%) than the normal group (40%) Conclusion: Although IL-28B SNP had a role in HCV-related cirrhosis progression, it did not predict the probability for HCC development following DAAs.