Interleukin-18 and its gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence chronic hepatitis C progression.

Introduction: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Inter-individual variations of IL-18 gene expression may alter HCV-associated liver injury. Variable single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been detected within IL-18 gene sequence.