Variations in DEPDC5 gene and its association with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Variations at DEPDC5 gene have been recently reported as genetic markers associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression in chronic HCV-infected patients. This study was conducted to assess the association of DEPDC5 variants with advanced liver cirrhosis and HCC development among chronic HCV-infected patients in Saudi Arabian population.

Methods: Six-hundred and one HCV-infected patients were genotyped for DEPDC5 polymorphisms (rs1012068 and rs5998152), in comparison with 592 non-infected healthy control subjects.

Genetic variability of the core protein in hepatitis C virus genotype 4 in Saudi Arabian patients and its implication on pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) shows a remarkable genetic diversity, contributing to its high persistence and varied susceptibilities to antiviral treatment. Previous studies have reported that the substitution of amino acids in the HCV subgenotype 1b core protein in infected patients is associated with a poor response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) combined therapy.

Objectives: Because the role of the core protein in HCV genotype 4 infections is unclear, we aimed in this study to compare the full-length core protein sequences of HCV genotype 4 between Saudi patients who responded (SVR) and did not respond (non-SVR) to PEG-IFN/RBV therapy.

Association between HLA variations and chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Saudi Arabian patients.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver diseases including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) play an important role in the regulation of immune response against infectious organisms, including HBV. Recently, several genome-wide association (GWAS) studies have shown that genetic variations in HLA genes influence disease progression in HBV infection.

Genetic variation in interleukin 28B and correlation with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Saudi Arabian patients.

Background & Aims: Several genome-wide association studies have shown that genetic variations in the chromosomal region containing interleukin-28B (IL28B) gene are associated with response to treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study was conducted to examine the role of genetic variations in IL28B on disease progression in Saudi Arabian patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Methods: The study included 1128 subjects divided into four categories; 304 clearance subjects, 518 inactive carriers, 212 active carriers and 94 cirrhosis/HCC.