Genetic factors may increase liver damage risk in chronic hepatitis B patients, says study

Approximately one-third of the world's population has come into contact with hepatitis B, with 350-400 million people developing a chronic infection.

By: ANI | | Published: July 28, 2018 11:24 am

Genetic variations may increase the risk of severe liver damage in Caucasians with chronic hepatitis B infection, a new study has found. Also Read - Global rates of liver cancer are increasing: Study

If left untreated, chronic infections can lead to liver injury, liver cancer, and liver failure, with more than one million deaths attributed to cirrhosis and cancer each year. Also Read - World Hepatitis Day on 28th July: Swachch Bharat will help fight Hepatitis

Researchers from the Westmead Institute for Medical Research found that Caucasian patients with a variation in their STAT4 gene were more likely to experience inflammation and severe liver fibrosis. Also Read - World Hepatitis Day on 28th July: Significance, theme and history

Author of the study, Dr. Rasha El Sharkawy said,”The findings add to the growing body of evidence that demonstrates a link between genes and the progression of hepatitis B.”

“The progression of liver injury in hepatitis B can vary significantly among patients, which indicates that genetic factors may play a role,” she added.

The STAT4 gene is part of the body’s immune response against viruses and regulates tissue inflammation, fibrosis, and anti-viral activity.

El Sharkawy added, “We found that patients with the risk genetic variation had lower expression of STAT4 in their liver and immune cells, reducing their immune response against hepatitis B and their production of interferon gamma, a protein responsible for moderating fibrosis.”

This may, at least partially explain why patients with the variation experience poorer liver health, Dr. El Sharkawy explained.

Source: ANI

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published : July 28, 2018 11:24 am

Read Disclaimer

Everything you need to know about neonatal jaundice

Did you know? Portfolio diet can lowers heart disease risk

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Everything you need to know about neonatal jaundice

Did you know? Portfolio diet can lowers heart disease risk

Blood tests can predict risk of severe liver disease: Know how to keep this organ healthy

Women less likely to die of liver cirrhosis than men: Know the symptoms of this disease

Cabbage can help you fight non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Other natural solutions to try

Global rates of liver cancer are increasing: Study

Is your liver functioning properly? These signs indicate it is in trouble

About The health Site

Useful Links