Background: CXCR3A-associated chemokines (CXCL9-11) are implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We analyzed the association between CXCL9-11 polymorphisms and significant liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected patients.
Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 220 patients who were genotyped for CXCL9-11 polymorphisms (CXCL9 rs10336, CXCL10 rs3921, and CXCL11 rs4619915) using GoldenGate assay. Three outcome variables related to liver fibrosis were studied: (1) F ≥ 2; (2) APRI ≥ 2; and (3) FIB-4 ≥ 3.25.
Results: The percentage of patients with significant liver fibrosis (F ≥ 2, APRI ≥ 2, and FIB-4 ≥ 3.25) was significantly higher for CXCL9 rs10336 TT (P = 0.046, P = 0.010, and P = 0.046, respectively), CXCL10 rs3921 GG (P = 0.046, P = 0.011, and P = 0.049, respectively), and CXCL11 rs4619915 AA (P = 0.035, P = 0.014, and P = 0.057, respectively) genotypes. Moreover, the greater likelihood of having significant liver fibrosis (F ≥ 2, APRI ≥ 2, and FIB-4 ≥ 3.25) was found in carriers of CXCL9 rs10336 TT and CXCL10 rs3921 GG [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) > 2 (P < 0.05)]. These trends were significantly more pronounced in patients infected with HCV-genotype 1 (GT1) [aOR > 3 (P < 0.05)]. Moreover, TGA haplotype showed higher odds for having values of APRI ≥ 2 (aOR = 2.4; P = 0.012) when we considered all patients. This elevated risk for significant liver fibrosis was better represented in patients infected with HCV-GT1, where TGA haplotype had increased odds for having values of F ≥ 2 (aOR = 1.9; P = 0.045), APRI ≥ 2 (aOR = 3.2; P = 0.009), and FIB-4 ≥ 3.25 (aOR = 3.3; P = 0.026).
Conclusions: The homozygosity for the minor alleles CXCL9 rs10336 (T), CXCL10 rs3921 (G), and CXCL11 rs4619915 (A) is associated with the higher likelihood of significant liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients coinfected with HCV-GT1.