Effects of ethanol on HBV gene mutations in patients with chronic hepatitis B by gene chip

AIM: To study ethanol influence on gene mutations of HBV DNA and to offer testimony for clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: 85 patients with chronic hepatitis B were divided into alcoholic group and non-alcoholic group. Gene chip technique was used to detect gene mutations located in Pre-C nt G1896A and nt A1814C, basal core promoter (BCP) nt A1762T and nt G1764A, P nt C528A and nt T552C. RESULTS: The mutation frequency on BCP nt A1762T and nt G1764A in alcoholic group was significantly higher than that in non-alcoholic group (P<0.05). No difference of mutation frequency on pre-c nt G1896A nt A1814C and P nt C528A nt T552C between alcoholic and non-alcoholic group was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Ethanol stimulates HBV gene mutations on BCP nt A1762T and nt G1764A, enhances HBV DNA replication and gene expression, deteriorates the state of the illness.