# Association of rs4646287 Polymorphism with the Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in an Iranian Population

## TL;DR

This study shows that the rs4646287 TT genotype is linked to a lower risk of hepatitis B-related diseases and liver cancer in an Iranian population.

## Contribution

The study identifies a protective role of the rs4646287 TT genotype against HBV-related diseases in an Iranian population.

## Key findings

- The TT genotype of rs4646287 is associated with a significantly reduced risk of cirrhosis and HCC.
- TT genotype carriers showed a decreased correlation between HBV infection and progression to liver diseases.
- The protective effect of the TT genotype was observed in comparison to healthy controls.

## Abstract

Hepatitis B virus is responsible for more than one million deaths annually, mainly due to HBV-related diseases and HCC. HBV enters hepatocytes and interacts with the NTCP. While several SNPs have been linked to HBV infection and HCC, further research is needed to clarify the precise role of SNPs. The relationship of the rs4646287 SNP with the risk of HBV infection and the progression of cirrhosis and HCC has been investigated in different populations. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the rs4646287 SNP with HBV infection, cirrhosis, and HCC in an Iranian population.

The whole blood DNA was extracted from healthy individuals and patients with HBV, cirrhosis, and HCC. Primers for the C and T variants were designed using Primer1. The genotypes of the samples were identified using Tetra-ARMS PCR. The Tetra-ARMS PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis on 2.5% agarose gels.

Individuals with the rs4646287 TT genotype exhibited a significantly reduced risk of developing cirrhosis and HCC compared to healthy controls. The TT genotype also showed a decreased correlation between the HBV group and those with cirrhosis and HCC.

Our findings suggest that the rs4646287 TT genotype is associated with a lower risk of developing HBV-related diseases and HCC in an Iranian population.