Chemical and biochemical studies of relation of tumor necrosis factor gene-polymorphism in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) encodes a proinflammatory cytokine that is secreted primarily by macrophages and plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of inflammatory autoimmune and malignant diseases. (TNF-α) expression may disturb immune response and may be associated with HCC risk. Objectives: To verify the role of Tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene −308G > A polymorphism in Hepatitis C virus related hepatocellular carcinoma in Egyptian patients. Methods: (TNF-α) −308 G > A polymorphismwas examined in 50 patients with HCV-related HCC, 40 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis and 30 healthy controls, using the polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Overall (TNF-α) −308 G > A gene polymorphism showed that AA genotype was more prevalent in HCC group (40%) compared to control group (6.7%), with OR (95% CI) 9.33 times risk of HCC (p value = 0.018) and cirrhotic patient group (17.5%), with OR (95% CI) 3.14 times risk (p value= 0.021). The A allele frequency was increased in HCC group (53%) versus (18.3% and 27.5 %, OR (95% CI) = 5.02 and 2.97) in control and cirrhotic patients group respectively. Conclusion: This studysuggests that (TNF-α) −308 G > A polymorphism, AA homozygous genetic model, may be a risk factor in HCV related HCC in Egyptian patients.