Interleukin-6-174G/C polymorphism is associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus.

Background: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although the pathogenesis remains to be elucidated, a growing evidence has suggested a role of pro-inflammatory immune response. Increased serum concentrations of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) have been associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as advanced forms of liver disease in chronic hepatitis C infection.

The combined polymorphisms of interleukin-6-174GG genotype and interleukin-10 ATA haplotype are associated with a poor quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Purpose: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with a decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). More recent studies have pointed toward a genetic basis of patient-reported quality of life outcomes. Taking into account that the influence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the HRQOL of CHC patients has not been studied, we investigated the combined IL10-1082G/A, - 819C/T, and - 592C/A SNPs, and IL6-174G/C SNP.

Interleukin-10 promoter gene polymorphisms are associated with the first major depressive episode in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Aims: To investigate the association of IL10 SNPs in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with and without the first major depressive episode (MDE), as well as their association with plasma levels of target cytokines.

Methods: A hundred and thirty two CHC patients (32 with and 100 without first MDE) and 98 controls were prospectively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. MDE was diagnosed by a psychiatrist, using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus 5.