A new genetic variant involved in genetic susceptibility to alcoholic liver cirrhosis: -330T>G polymorphism of the interleukin-2 gene.European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 20(9):855-859, September 2008.
Genetic factors may determine susceptibility to develop alcoholic liver cirrhosis, although it remains uncertain why only a minority of alcoholics suffers from this disease. A decrease in serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) is usually found in alcoholic cirrhotics. In this study we examined the relationship between the -330T>G IL-2 gene (IL2) polymorphism and alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
We found an association between the -330T>G IL2 polymorphism and alcoholic liver cirrhosis: the frequency of the allele T carriers (genotype TT and GT) was significantly higher in alcoholics with cirrhosis (96.9%) than in those without liver disease (89.4%, P=0.043).
We report for the first time that the possession of the -330T allele of the IL2 is associated with a higher risk of developing alcoholic liver cirrhosis and this fact may favor the progression of alcoholic liver disease.
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