Assessment of CXCL12 (SDF-1α) polymorphisms and its serum level in posttransfusion occult HBV-infected patients in Southeastern Iran

Abstract

Background: Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is defined as a form of hepatitis in which, despite absence of detectable HBsAg, HBV-DNA is present in peripheral blood of patients. The main aim of this study was to determine an association between polymorphisms in +801 of CXCL12 (SDF-1α) and its serum level in OBI patients.

Methods: In this experimental study, plasma samples of 3700 blood donors were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBc by ELISA. The HBsAg(-)/anti-HBc(+) samples were selected and screened for HBV-DNA by PCR. HBV-DNA positive samples assigned as OBI cases and PCR-RFLP techniques were performed to examine the CXCL12 (SDF-1α) polymorphisms. The serum level of CXCL12 (SDF-1α) was also analyzed by ELISA.

Results: Of 3700 blood samples, 352 (9.5%) were HBsAg/anti-HBc(+) and HBV-DNA was detected in 57/352 (16.1%) of HBsAg(-)/anti-HBc(+) samples. Our results showed a significant difference in genotypes and alleles of +801 region of CXCL12 (SDF-1α). However, the serum level of CXCL12 (SDF-1α) was decreased in OBI patients but was not significant. Our results also showed that the alleles of +801 region of CXCL12 (SDF-1α) were also not associated with serum level of the chemokine.

Conclusions: The polymorphisms in +801 region of CXCL12 (SDF-1α) are possibly related to OBI.