Interferon-γ gene polymorphisms at +874T/A loci associated with response to treatment with hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a worldwide health problem, which associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon-α and Ribavirin are only acceptable treatment regimen for these patients. These regimen are effective only on 50% of the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to treatment with interferon gamma gene polymorphism in patients with hepatitis C. In this study, a cross - sectional study, response or lack of response to treatment in 78 patients treated with interferon gamma gene polymorphism were studied at Shiraz Namazi Hospital from 2011-2012. DNA samples extract by salt (salting out) and interferon gamma gene polymorphism (+874T/A IFN–gamma) was evaluate with ARMS-PCR technique. Data were analyzed using EPI Info2000 and SPSS 16 software (chi-square test). Results showed that 39 patients (50%) out of 78 studied patients had TT alleles, 11 patients (1.14%) had AA alleles and 28 patients (9.39%) had TA alleles. 49 patients (62.82%) responded to treatment. TT genotype and allele frequencies between the studied groups showed significant differencey (P=0.002). Interferon gamma is a key cytokine in the immune response against hepatitis C. Polymorphism in the interferon-gamma gene is (+874T/AIFN–gamma) One of the most important factors interferes with treatment response in hepatitis C patients.