Correlaction of systemics levels tumoral necrosis factor (TNF-a) and its polymorphism (-308 G/A) in patients with Hepatitis C virus with or without hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Grant number: 11/21225-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Arnaldo Szutan
• Grantee: Alexandre Eiji Kayano
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP). Fundação Arnaldo Vieira de Carvalho. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

There is a progressive increase in the number of infected patients with C hepatitis virus, especially those in an advanced stage of disease, who evolve to cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Cytokines are one of the several factors involved in carcinogenesis in these patients. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF±) is predominantly reported. It has been demonstrated that the -308 G/A polymorphism present in the promoter region of the TNF encoding gene is related to increased risk for the development of hepatocarcinoma. Methods: DNA samples from peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be obtained from 150 individuals, divided into three groups: (A) controls; (B) C hepatitis, but without carcinoma (C) C hepatitis and carcinoma. Serum TNF will be quantified by ELISA and compared with the presence of gene polymorphism.(AU)