Genetic association between a single nucleotide polymorphism in Interleukin-16 (rs4072111) and susceptibility to chronic HCV infection in an Iranian population

Aim: Our goal was to identify the putative association of rs4072111 variant in IL-16 gene and HCV susceptibility in an Iranian population. Background: Interleukin 16 (IL-16), a multifunctional cytokine, plays a vital role in modulation of immune system. Methods: In present case control and cross sectional study, IL-16 gene variant in 300 patients with hepatitis C (HCV) infection and 300 healthy individuals were analyzed. To evaluate this possible association, genomic DNA from venous blood was extracted and genotypes of IL-16 rs4072111 variant were determined by polymerase chain reaction- Fragments Length Polymorphism Technique (PCR-RFLP). Then, rs4072111 C/T genotypes frequency and allelic distribution were evaluated in each group. Results: The results of genotyping showed 82% CC, 17.3% CT, 0.7% TT in the control group and 78% CC, 20% CT and 2% TT in the case group. The distribution of rs4072111 C allele was 90.7% in controls and 88% in case group respectively. However, no correlation between IL-16 rs4072111 C/T variants and susceptibility to chronic HCV infection was found in the present study. Conclusion: We concluded the rs4072111 C/T cannot be considered as a proper biomarker to identify susceptibility to chronic hepatitis C virus infection.