Tumor necrosis factor gene polymorphisms and clearance or progression of hepatitis B virus infection.

Objectives: We evaluated the influence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) promoter gene polymorphisms on clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and outcome of HBV chronic hepatitis.

Methods: Four TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms (T-1031C, C-863A, G-308A, and G-238A) were evaluated by direct sequencing in 184 chronic HBV carriers hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive and 96 controls with documented sero-clearance (HBsAg negativity, positivity for anti-HBs and anti-HBc IgG). Frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the control group were compared with those of the chronic carrier group and with clinically defined subgroups of the latter: asymptomatic carriers, patients with compensated hepatitis, decompensated cirrhotics, and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.