In the overall analysis, the IL-28B rs12979860 T/C polymorphism was identified as a genetic risk factor for hepatitis virus-related HCC and LC development.
The IL28B rs12979860 CC genotype is associated with a higher prevalence of cirrhosis in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients than CT/TT genotypes, suggesting that IL28B CC carriers may experience a more rapid progression of HCV-related liver fibrosis, perhaps as result of increased liver inflammation.
The two proposed functional variants (rs368234815 and rs4803217) were not superior to the discovery SNP rs12979860 with respect to liver inflammation or fibrosis phenotype.