Molecular detection of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 polymorphism in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis patients

AIM: To investigate the association of the functional monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) promoter polymorphism (A-2518G) with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). METHODS: Fifty patients with post-hepatitis C liver cirrhosis and ascites were categorized into two groups; group. included 25 patients with SBP and group. included 25 patients free from SBP. In addition, a group of 20 healthy volunteers were included. We assessed the MCP-1 gene polymorphism and gene expression as well as interleukin (IL)-10 levels in both blood and ascitic fluid. RESULTS: A significant MCP-1 gene polymorphism was detected in groups. and. (P = 0.001 and 0.02 respectively). Group. was associated with a significantly higher frequency of AG genotype [control 8 (40%) vs SBP 19 (76.0%), P < 0.001], and group. was associated with a significantly higher frequency of GG genotype when compared to healthy volunteers [control 1 (5%) vs cirrhotic 16 (64%), P < 0.001]. Accordingly, the frequency of G allele was significantly higher in both groups (I and II) [control 10 (25%) vs SBP 27 (54%), P < 0.001 and vs cirrhotic 37 (74.0%), P < 0.001, respectively]. The total blood and ascetic fluid levels of IL-10 and MCP-1 gene expression were significantly higher in group. than in group.. Group. showed significant reductions in the levels of MCP-1 gene expression and IL-10 in the whole blood and ascetic fluid after therapy. CONCLUSION: MCP-1 GG genotype and G allele may predispose HCV infected patients to a more progressive disease course, while AG genotype may increase the susceptibility to SBP. Patients carrying these genotypes should be under supervision to prevent or restrict further complications. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.