The impact of the CB2-63 polymorphism on the histological presentation of chronic hepatitis B

Clin Microbiol Infect. 2015 Jun;21(6):609.e1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.02.021. Epub 2015 Mar 5.

Abstract

The impact of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) rs35761398 polymorphism on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was evaluated in 106 consecutive biopsy-proven CHB patients naive for antiviral therapy. A histological activity index (HAI) > 8 (Ishak scoring) was more frequent in patients with CB2-63 RR than in those with CB2-63 QR or QQ (37% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis identified CB2-63 RR (p < 0.05) and a fibrosis score >3 (p < 0.005) as independently associated with an HAI >8. The observation that the CB2-63 RR variant is an independent predictor of extensive necroinflammation opens up new prospects in the study of CHB.

Keywords: Cannabinoid receptor 2; HBV infection; cannabinoid system; chronic hepatitis B; liver disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / genetics*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / genetics*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / genetics*
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • CNR2 protein, human
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2