Genetic association of paraoxonase-1 polymorphisms and chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with hepatic free radical formation and enhanced lipid peroxidation and an individual's antioxidant status may play an important role. Paraoxonase-1 is an esterase that degrades oxidised lipids. In the present study, we investigated the genetic association of the most important paraoxonase-1 gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to HCV-related chronic hepatitis. Paraoxonase-1 polymorphisms at positions -107, 55 and 192 were analysed from the genomic DNA of 186 patients and 386 healthy volunteers, as well as the serum concentration of total peroxides and standard biochemical tests. Patients with chronic hepatitis had a higher frequency of the RR isoform of the 192 polymorphism than healthy subjects (13% vs. 7%, P<0.05). There were no significant differences with respect to the -107 and 55 polymorphisms. The plasma concentration of peroxides was higher in patients with chronic hepatitis [349.5 (246.2-479.8) vs. 115.4 (95.7-172.3) mumol/L; P<0.001]. The present study suggests that the paraoxonase-1 192 polymorphism contributes, together with other polymorphisms, to the variations in the host response to HCV infection.