BACKGROUND: Since single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can serve as gene markers, polymorphism profiles may help scientists to identify the full collection of genes that contribute to the development of complex diseases such as cancer. The distribution of interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter polymorphisms in Chinese Han ethnic patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was investigated in this study.
METHODS: The polymorphisms of IL-10 promoter region were detected by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing. Sixty-six health controls, 42 patients with HBV infection, 30 HCC patients, and cell line SMMC-7721 were examined this way.
RESULTS: Polymorphisms of T/C or T/N on -872 site occurred frequently in Han ethnic population. Polymorphisms were detected in HBV and HCC patients and cell line SMMC-7721. The hotspot among the polymorphisms was inserting base A between -1058 and -1057.
CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of IL-10 promoter in HBV and HCC patients may be associated with HBV infection and HCC development.