The polymorphism of HLA-DR and -DQ allelic genes associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the association of the polymorphisms of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II DRB1 and DQB1 alleles and the risk for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood leucocytes in 42 ICP patients and 38 normal controls and from their corresponding neonates. HLA class II DRB1 and DQB1 genotypes were determined using sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR). Results: Genotype analyses of HLA class revealed a significantly increased frequency of HLA-DR11 allele in ICP patients when compared with the controls (16.67% vs. 3.95%, p < 0.01), but no significant difference in other genotypes. Interestingly, analysis of the fetomaternal's -DR and -DQ alleles showed no significant difference between the patient and control groups. Conclusions: These results indicate that HLA-DR11 allele is associated with the susceptibility of ICP in the Chinese Changsha area.