Recently, two polymorphisms have been identified in the promotor region of the FAS gene, -1377G > A and -670A > G. We have evaluated the involvement of these variants in the susceptibility to HCV infection, the severity of liver damage and progression of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C. A cohort of 197 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 100 controls were analysed for both polymorphisms by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer using specific probes and the Lightcycler system.
Recently, two polymorphisms have been identified in the promotor region of the FAS gene, -1377G > A and -670A > G. We have evaluated the involvement of these variants in the susceptibility to HCV infection, the severity of liver damage and progression of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C. A cohort of 197 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 100 controls were analysed for both polymorphisms by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer using specific probes and the Lightcycler system.
Histologic stage (hepatic fibrosis) and Fas protein expression before interferon treatment might be indicative of the need for intensive follow-up in patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing interferon therapy.