Objective: To explore the possible relationship between the polymorphisms of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) gene intron 1 at position +874 and the susceptibility of hepatitis B virus infection.
Methods: IFN-gamma gene single nucleotide polymorphism (intron 1 at position +874) were detected in 531 subjects including 231 chronic carrier of hepatitis B virus (group CC), 165 individuals who spontaneously recovered from HBV infection (group SR) and 135 healthy controls, by polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers.
Results: Significant difference of IFN-gamma +874 AA genotype frequency was found between group CC (TT, TA and AA frequencies were 9.1%, 12.1% and 78.8%, respectively) and control group (TT, TA and AA frequencies were 12.6%, 23.0% and 64.4%, respectively) (chi(2) = 9.60, P = 0.008), but no significant difference found between group SR (TT, TA and AA frequencies were 13.9%, 23.7% and 62.4%, respectively) and control group (chi(2) = 0.16, P = 0.92).
Conclusion: There was association between IFN-gamma gene polymorphism (intron 1 at position +874) and chronic HBV infection. This study suggested the possibility that IFN-gamma gene polymorphism (intron 1 at position +874) might be important in determining an individual's susceptibility in the development of chronic HBV infection.