There have previously been eight genotypes of the HBV (hepatitis B virus) identified. According to Science News there have also been a variety of mutations in two regions of the viral genome, referred to as the precore and the basal core promoter. It had not been clear which of the eight genotypes or mutations are associated with the risk of liver cancer which is also known as hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dr Chien-Jen of the Academia Sinicia in Taiwan and his colleagues wanted to find which genotypes of mutations increased the risk of liver cancer. They did this by isolating the viral DNA of 2762 Taiwanese individuals who were infected with the virus, but had not been diagnosed with liver cancer. 153 of the subjects ended up being diagnosed with liver cancer and Dr Chien-Jen discovered the HBV genotype C and a particular mutation in the basal core promoter (A1762T/G1764A) were associated with increased risk of liver cancer, while a mutation in the precore region (G1896A) was associated with a decrease in risk.
These findings can help individuals who are at a high risk for liver disease progression and would benefit from regular screenings to detect disease.
Reference
Yang et al. Associations Between Hepatitis B Virus Genotype and Mutants and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2008; DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djn243
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