161P - Chitinase 3-Like 1 gene (T/C) polymorphism and serum YKL-40 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) gene codes for the YKL-40 protein. Serum YKL-40 levels are controlled by polymorphisms in the proximal promoter region of CHI3L1 gene. Aim: We aimed to investigate the association of rs880633 (T/C) polymorphism at CHI3L1 gene with serum YKL-40 production and to evaluate the role of this polymorphism as a risk for HCC and its impact on patient’s survival.

Methods

225 subjects were classified into two groups, group I: included 120 HCC patients and group II: included 105 age & gender matched healthy volunteers. Genotyping of (T/C) polymorphism rs880633 at CHI3L1 gene was analyzed using allelic discrimination assay by Real-Time PCR technique and serum YKL-40 level was determined by ELISA.

Results

There was a significant statistical difference as regards genotype frequency of CHI3L1 gene T/C polymorphism between the two studied groups, with increased frequency of CC genotype among HCC patients and increased frequency of TT genotype among the control group. As regards allelic distribution, C allele was significantly more dominant in HCC patients that have increased HCC risk with odds ratio (CI = 95%) of 2.05(1.40 – 2.99) comparing to T allele. Subjects carrying CC genotype had the highest levels serum YKL40 followed by those with TC genotype, while subjects with TT genotype were found to have the lowest serum YKL40. HCC Patient with TT genotype had significantly longer survival rate than those had TC, CC genotypes, Overall survival of HCC patients revealed that both CC and CT genotypes had significantly shorter survival rate than those had TT genotype (P value <0.05).

Conclusions

CHI3L1 gene variants rs880633 might be a candidate risk factor for HCC. Carriers of CC genotype have highest serum YKL40 levels, are associated with criteria of bad prognosis. So, genotyping of (T/C) polymorphism rs880633 at CHI3L1 gene could predict the patient outcome.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Menoufia University.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.