The role of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in the course of chronic hepatitis C infection.

Background: Vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) exert important immunoregulatory functions that contribute to liver homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of FokI, ApaI, BsmI and TaqI VDR polymorphisms on cirrhosis development and laboratory variables in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

Methods: A total of 48 patients were enrolled in this retrospective, observational study and underwent genotype analysis; their medical records were examined to obtain relevant data.