Role of hepatitis B viral load and basal core promoter mutation in hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B carriers

Abstract

Background. Several hepatitis B viral factors correlate with the progression of chronic liver disease. However, the independent and interactive effects of each known viral factor on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. Methods. In a cross-sectional, retrospective, hospital-based setting, we comprehensively compared viral factors in 160 chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and 200 patients with HCC, to clarify the independent and joint effect of each factor. Results. In univariate analysis, statistically significant odds ratios (ORs) were obtained for male sex (P < .001), advanced age (P < .001), HBV genotype C infection (P = .005), the precore A1896 mutation (P <105 copies/mL and the BCP A1762/G1764 wild-type strain, the adjusted OR of developing HCC was ≥30 in patients with an HBV load ≥105 copies/mL and the BCP T1762/A1764 mutant, irrespective of the presence of the precore A1896 mutation and viral genotype. Conclusions. HBV load and the BCP T1762/A1764 mutation are important in hepatocarcinogenesis. © 2006 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.