Interleukin 28B Genetic Polymorphism and Spontaneous Recovery from Hepatitis B Virus Infection in an Iranian Azeri Population

Background Detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the Interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene, which significantly effects the outcome of chronic hepatitis C virus has a substantial impact on research in the field of personalize medicine. In this study, the researchers investigated the influence of IL28B polymorphisms on spontaneous recovery from hepatitis B (HBV) infection in an Iranian sample. Methods In this case-control study, 177 patients with chronic HBV infection (n = 83, HBsAg (+) for > 6 months, anti-HBc (+), and anti-HBs (-)) or spontaneous recovery (n = 94; HBsAg (-), anti-HBc (+), and anti-HBs (+)) were evaluated. All cases were Iranian with an Azeri ethnic background. The SNPs at rs12979860 and rs8099917 near IL28B coding region were assessed by polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results Regardless of the condition for HBV infection, rs8099917 TT was most frequently identified (65.0%) followed by rs12979860 CT (52.5%). All other genotypes were detected as well as all types of haplotype combinations, except for rs8099917 GT- rs12979860 CC, which was not identified in any participant. The prevalence of TT rs8099917 was significantly higher in the chronic HBV group than in the spontaneously recovered individuals (P = 0.038, OR = 1.435). Differences were not significant for rs12979860. Using combination of genotypes did not show better odds ratio (P > 0.05). Conclusions The SNP upstream of IL28B might have an influence on spontaneous HBV recovery.