Role of HBV genotypes, core promoter/precore mutations and HBV DNA levels on hepatocarcinogenesis

Abstract

Aims: To examine whether genotypesicore promoter (CP)/precore variants are independent risk factors for HCC and to define the low risk HBVDNA level in HCC. Patients and Methods: 248 HCC patients and 248 control patients matched for gender, age and HBeAg status were recruited. Results: Compared to controls, HCC patients had a higher prevalence of genotype C [57.4% vs 7 I .7% respectively, p = 0.00 I, O.R. I .9 (95% CT I .3-2.8)] and CP mutations [66.8% vs. 88.1% respectively, p i 0.001, O.R. 3.7 (95% CT 2.1-6.3)]. Prevalence of precore mutations was comparable between 2 groups. Multivariate analysis revealed CP mutations as the only independent risk factor for HCC (p i 0.001). CP mutations was associated with a specific sequence V1753 (p = 0.002), which is associated with HCC (Tanaka, J Hepatol2006). The ROC curve of HBV DNA levels for HCC is shown. With the AUC of 0.508, there was no lower limit of HBV DNA level associated with lower chance of HCC. Conclusions: CP mutation was an independent risk factor for HCC. Its relationship with T I753 with respect to hepatocarcinogenesis needs further investigations. There was no HBVDNA level associated with lower risk for HCC.