Wael Hafez - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Wael Hafez

Research paper thumbnail of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and biomarkers: A new paradigm in colorectal cancer

Frontiers in Medicine

Colorectal cancer is a sporadic, hereditary, or familial based disease in its origin, caused due ... more Colorectal cancer is a sporadic, hereditary, or familial based disease in its origin, caused due to diverse set of mutations in large intestinal epithelial cells. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly disease that accounts for the 4th worldwide highly variable malignancy. For the early detection of CRC, the most common predictive biomarker found endogenously are KRAS and ctDNA/cfDNA along with SEPT9 methylated DNA. Early detection and screening for CRC are necessary and multiple methods can be employed to screen and perform early diagnosis of CRC. Colonoscopy, an invasive method is most prevalent for diagnosing CRC or confirming the positive result as compared to other screening methods whereas several non-invasive techniques such as molecular analysis of breath, urine, blood, and stool can also be performed for early detection. Interestingly, widely used medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation have reported chemopre...

Research paper thumbnail of A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study on the Awareness and Concerns of Healthcare Providers Toward Monkeypox and the Promotion of the Monkeypox Vaccination

Social Science Research Network, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Syrian Health Providers' Knowledge of Palliative Care: An Online Cross‑Sectional Study in Syria

International Journal of Medical Students, Dec 6, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation Between Plasma Vitamin C Concentration and COVID-19 Outcomes among Patients Seen at a Major Hospital in the United Arab Emirates

International Journal of MCH and AIDS, 2022

Background and Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly... more Background and Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly emerged coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) with varying degrees of disease manifestations. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and immunomodulatory functions. The study aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin C concentration and outcomes of COVID-19 among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This retrospective observational study included 67 COVID-19 patients aged 30-59 years old. Measurement of vitamin C levels was performed at the National Reference Laboratory, UAE using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). The cutoff value was 0.4 mg/dl; plasma levels that ranged from 0.4 to 2 mg/dl were defined as sufficient. Values above 2 mg/dl were recognized as high and values less than 0.4 mg/dl are considered low or deficient. Results: Among the included patients, 58.2% suffered from vitamin C deficiency. We found a statistically significant correlation between the concentration of serum vitamin C and age (p=0.03), the presence of hypertension (p=0.013), diabetes (p=0.01), and the development of pneumonia (p=0.012). There was no significant correlation between the concentration of serum vitamin C and the need for mechanical ventilation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, COVID-19 severity, or mortality. The risk of COVID-19 severity decreased in patients with sufficient vitamin C levels by 52% compared to patients with vitamin C deficiency (p=0.177). There was a statistically significant correlation between vitamin C sufficiency and low lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen. However, the odds of vitamin C sufficiency in COVID-19 patients were significantly associated with lowering CRP levels (OR=0.99, 95% CI: (0.98-1.00), p=0.024). Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Low serum vitamin C concentrations were associated with several demographic characteristics of patients, the presence of pneumonia, and inflammation. Furthermore, improving our social determinants, such as how we live, eat, drink, and vitamin C supplementation could positively impact the future health of the individual, community, and population.

Research paper thumbnail of Allelic Discrimination of Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Controlled Study

Healthcare

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of NHANES cross sectional study of aspirin and fractures in the elderly

Scientific Reports

Bone fractures are a global public health concern, yet no thorough investigation of low-dose aspi... more Bone fractures are a global public health concern, yet no thorough investigation of low-dose aspirin usage to prevent fractures in the elderly has been conducted. Many interventional human and animal studies have tried to detect the correct role of low-dose aspirin on fractures in elderly persons. The literature doesn't consist of a retrospective observational study that includes a large number of older individuals and evaluates the accurate effect of aspirin on the fractures post falling from low heights. This cross-sectional includes 7132 elderly persons and aimed to detect if there was a link between taking low-dose aspirin to prevent fractures in the elderly. Data was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for 2017–2020 and 2013–2014. Demographic and examination data were collected during in-home interviews and study visits to a mobile examination center. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect information such as age, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Mental distress links with physical activities, sedentary lifestyle, social support, and sleep problems: A Syrian population cross-sectional study

Frontiers in Psychiatry

BackgroundMental diseases are very widespread and difficult to treat, affecting around 12% of the... more BackgroundMental diseases are very widespread and difficult to treat, affecting around 12% of the global population in 2019. Since social interaction is crucial to human existence and loneliness has been proven to be a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, it stands to reason that social connection problems would also contribute to depression. Physical inactivity seems to weaken and aggravate insulin tolerance alterations, glucose homeostasis, and plasma triglyceride levels, thereby influencing one's mood and happiness. This suggests that physical inactivity may be a significant risk factor for mental illness. This research contributes to our understanding of the mental health situation in Syria by exploring associations between a set of measurable characteristics that may be adjusted.MethodsAn online quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022 in Syria, using a structured questionnaire that assesses data on behaviors of health, health i...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of internet addiction among Syrian undergraduate medical students

Research paper thumbnail of Body Mass Index and Clinical Outcomes in Adult COVID-19 Patients of Diverse Ethnicities

Healthcare

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Vitamin C as a Potential Interplaying Factor between Obesity and COVID-19 Outcome

Healthcare

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Demographic and clinical factors affecting serum IL-6, and its correlation with the severity, and mortality of COVID-19

Research paper thumbnail of Association Between Diabetes and Immunoglobulin M Antibodies Against Endogenous Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Serum: A Meta-Analysis

Cureus

Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the possible link between diabetes and high le... more Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the possible link between diabetes and high levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). The search included PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were any controlled clinical trials or observational studies that measured the level of IgM antibodies against GnRH hormone in diabetic patients, we excluded case reports, editorials, and animal studies. RevMan software, version 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration 2020) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Following the screening, three studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 99 patients in the diabetes group and 318 healthy persons in the control group. The pooled effect showed no statistically significant association between diabetes and the prevalence of GnRH IgM antibodies compared with the control group (risk ratio {RR} = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.96 to 2.79, p-value = 0.03). The pooled effect showed a statistically significant association between diabetes and increased levels of GnRH IgM antibodies compared with the control group (mean difference {MD} = 2.13, 95% CI = 0.25 to 4.02, p-value = 0.03). Our study found a significant association between diabetes and increased levels of GnRH IgM antibodies. Therefore, GnRH IgM antibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes or may be considered a unique immunological reaction in diabetic patients. More multicenter randomized studies are needed to support our results confirming the positive relationship between diabetes and high levels of IgM antibodies against GnRH hormone.

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 patient characteristics and time to viral clearance: A retrospective observational study in a multiethnic population (United Arab Emirates)

Journal of Clinical Virology

Research paper thumbnail of ABO Blood Group in Relation to COVID-19 Susceptibility and Clinical Outcomes: A Retrospective Observational Study in the United Arab Emirates

Life

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Commentary: Vitamin D Status in Relation to the Clinical Outcome of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Tuberculosis Among Syrian People: An online cross-sectional study

International Journal of Medical Students

Background: TB was reported to have the highest mortality rate among other infectious diseases in... more Background: TB was reported to have the highest mortality rate among other infectious diseases in 2018 worldwide. Syria and other low-income countries have a higher incidence rate of TB in comparison to high-income countries. Stigma toward TB is extremely high in low-income countries like Syria, and these stigma delays patients from seeking healthcare facilities. Our purpose in this study is to assess the Syrian's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward TB and understand their Practice related to this disease. Methods: An online cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed between15 September 7 October 2022, among Syrians to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward TB. This questionnaire was adapted from a published study, and the inclusion criteria were all male and female Syrian citizens aged 18 or above. The survey was divided into four questions: the first section assessed sociodemographics, and the other sections were about knowledge, attitude, and pra...

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Influencing Disease Stability and Response to Tocilizumab Therapy in Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Antibiotics

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of The significance of antiglobulin (Coombs) test reactivity in patients with COVID-19

Research paper thumbnail of Vitamin D Status in Relation to the Clinical Outcome of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Frontiers in Medicine

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a newly emerged infectious disease that first appeared in China... more Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a newly emerged infectious disease that first appeared in China. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone with an anti-inflammatory protective role during viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, via regulating the innate and adaptive immune responses. The study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. This was a retrospective study of 126 COVID-19 patients treated in NMC Royal Hospital, UAE. The mean age of patients was 43 ± 12 years. Eighty three percentage of patients were males, 51% patients were with sufficient (> 20 ng/mL), 41% with insufficient (12–20 ng/mL), and 8% with deficient (<12 ng/mL) serum 25(OH)D levels. There was a statistically significant correlation between vitamin D deficiency and mortality (p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant correlation between 25(OH)D levels and ICU admission (p = 0.03), but not with the need for mechanical ve...

Research paper thumbnail of Interactive effects of immunoglobulin gamma and human leucocyte antigen genotypes on clearance and persistence of infection with hepatitis C virus

Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 2007

Particular alleles of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and immunoglobulin gamma (GM) and immunoglobu... more Particular alleles of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and immunoglobulin gamma (GM) and immunoglobulin kappa (KM) allotypes (polymorphic determinants of IgG heavy chains and k-type light chains, respectively) are associated with the outcome of several infections. To examine their role in the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we genotyped 50 individuals with resolved and 117 with persistent HCV infection. None of the GM, KM or HLA-C genotypes by themselves were associated with the resolution or persistence of HCV infection. However, particular combinations of HLA and GM genotypes were associated significantly with the outcome of HCV infection. Subjects with the HLA C1C1 genotype, in the absence of GM ff, were more than seven times [odds ratio (OR) 7•15] as likely to have persistent infection as the subjects who lacked both these genotypes. The presence of GM ff, in the absence of HLA C1C2, was associated with the resolution of infection (OR 0•27). The absence of GM fz, in the presence of HLA C2C2, was also associated with the resolution of infection (OR 0•27). Compared to the subjects who lacked both these genotypes, subjects with GM fz, in the absence of HLA C1C2, were almost four times as likely to have persistent infection (OR 3•91); similarly, subjects with HLA C1C2, in the absence of GM fz, were almost three times as likely to have persistent infection (OR 2•80). These results show, for the first time, interactive effects of GM and HLA genotypes in the outcome of HCV infection.

Research paper thumbnail of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and biomarkers: A new paradigm in colorectal cancer

Frontiers in Medicine

Colorectal cancer is a sporadic, hereditary, or familial based disease in its origin, caused due ... more Colorectal cancer is a sporadic, hereditary, or familial based disease in its origin, caused due to diverse set of mutations in large intestinal epithelial cells. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly disease that accounts for the 4th worldwide highly variable malignancy. For the early detection of CRC, the most common predictive biomarker found endogenously are KRAS and ctDNA/cfDNA along with SEPT9 methylated DNA. Early detection and screening for CRC are necessary and multiple methods can be employed to screen and perform early diagnosis of CRC. Colonoscopy, an invasive method is most prevalent for diagnosing CRC or confirming the positive result as compared to other screening methods whereas several non-invasive techniques such as molecular analysis of breath, urine, blood, and stool can also be performed for early detection. Interestingly, widely used medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation have reported chemopre...

Research paper thumbnail of A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study on the Awareness and Concerns of Healthcare Providers Toward Monkeypox and the Promotion of the Monkeypox Vaccination

Social Science Research Network, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Syrian Health Providers' Knowledge of Palliative Care: An Online Cross‑Sectional Study in Syria

International Journal of Medical Students, Dec 6, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation Between Plasma Vitamin C Concentration and COVID-19 Outcomes among Patients Seen at a Major Hospital in the United Arab Emirates

International Journal of MCH and AIDS, 2022

Background and Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly... more Background and Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly emerged coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) with varying degrees of disease manifestations. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and immunomodulatory functions. The study aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin C concentration and outcomes of COVID-19 among adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This retrospective observational study included 67 COVID-19 patients aged 30-59 years old. Measurement of vitamin C levels was performed at the National Reference Laboratory, UAE using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). The cutoff value was 0.4 mg/dl; plasma levels that ranged from 0.4 to 2 mg/dl were defined as sufficient. Values above 2 mg/dl were recognized as high and values less than 0.4 mg/dl are considered low or deficient. Results: Among the included patients, 58.2% suffered from vitamin C deficiency. We found a statistically significant correlation between the concentration of serum vitamin C and age (p=0.03), the presence of hypertension (p=0.013), diabetes (p=0.01), and the development of pneumonia (p=0.012). There was no significant correlation between the concentration of serum vitamin C and the need for mechanical ventilation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, COVID-19 severity, or mortality. The risk of COVID-19 severity decreased in patients with sufficient vitamin C levels by 52% compared to patients with vitamin C deficiency (p=0.177). There was a statistically significant correlation between vitamin C sufficiency and low lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen. However, the odds of vitamin C sufficiency in COVID-19 patients were significantly associated with lowering CRP levels (OR=0.99, 95% CI: (0.98-1.00), p=0.024). Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Low serum vitamin C concentrations were associated with several demographic characteristics of patients, the presence of pneumonia, and inflammation. Furthermore, improving our social determinants, such as how we live, eat, drink, and vitamin C supplementation could positively impact the future health of the individual, community, and population.

Research paper thumbnail of Allelic Discrimination of Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Controlled Study

Healthcare

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of NHANES cross sectional study of aspirin and fractures in the elderly

Scientific Reports

Bone fractures are a global public health concern, yet no thorough investigation of low-dose aspi... more Bone fractures are a global public health concern, yet no thorough investigation of low-dose aspirin usage to prevent fractures in the elderly has been conducted. Many interventional human and animal studies have tried to detect the correct role of low-dose aspirin on fractures in elderly persons. The literature doesn't consist of a retrospective observational study that includes a large number of older individuals and evaluates the accurate effect of aspirin on the fractures post falling from low heights. This cross-sectional includes 7132 elderly persons and aimed to detect if there was a link between taking low-dose aspirin to prevent fractures in the elderly. Data was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for 2017–2020 and 2013–2014. Demographic and examination data were collected during in-home interviews and study visits to a mobile examination center. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect information such as age, ...

Research paper thumbnail of Mental distress links with physical activities, sedentary lifestyle, social support, and sleep problems: A Syrian population cross-sectional study

Frontiers in Psychiatry

BackgroundMental diseases are very widespread and difficult to treat, affecting around 12% of the... more BackgroundMental diseases are very widespread and difficult to treat, affecting around 12% of the global population in 2019. Since social interaction is crucial to human existence and loneliness has been proven to be a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, it stands to reason that social connection problems would also contribute to depression. Physical inactivity seems to weaken and aggravate insulin tolerance alterations, glucose homeostasis, and plasma triglyceride levels, thereby influencing one's mood and happiness. This suggests that physical inactivity may be a significant risk factor for mental illness. This research contributes to our understanding of the mental health situation in Syria by exploring associations between a set of measurable characteristics that may be adjusted.MethodsAn online quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022 in Syria, using a structured questionnaire that assesses data on behaviors of health, health i...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence of internet addiction among Syrian undergraduate medical students

Research paper thumbnail of Body Mass Index and Clinical Outcomes in Adult COVID-19 Patients of Diverse Ethnicities

Healthcare

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Vitamin C as a Potential Interplaying Factor between Obesity and COVID-19 Outcome

Healthcare

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Demographic and clinical factors affecting serum IL-6, and its correlation with the severity, and mortality of COVID-19

Research paper thumbnail of Association Between Diabetes and Immunoglobulin M Antibodies Against Endogenous Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Serum: A Meta-Analysis

Cureus

Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the possible link between diabetes and high le... more Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the possible link between diabetes and high levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). The search included PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were any controlled clinical trials or observational studies that measured the level of IgM antibodies against GnRH hormone in diabetic patients, we excluded case reports, editorials, and animal studies. RevMan software, version 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration 2020) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Following the screening, three studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included 99 patients in the diabetes group and 318 healthy persons in the control group. The pooled effect showed no statistically significant association between diabetes and the prevalence of GnRH IgM antibodies compared with the control group (risk ratio {RR} = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.96 to 2.79, p-value = 0.03). The pooled effect showed a statistically significant association between diabetes and increased levels of GnRH IgM antibodies compared with the control group (mean difference {MD} = 2.13, 95% CI = 0.25 to 4.02, p-value = 0.03). Our study found a significant association between diabetes and increased levels of GnRH IgM antibodies. Therefore, GnRH IgM antibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes or may be considered a unique immunological reaction in diabetic patients. More multicenter randomized studies are needed to support our results confirming the positive relationship between diabetes and high levels of IgM antibodies against GnRH hormone.

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 patient characteristics and time to viral clearance: A retrospective observational study in a multiethnic population (United Arab Emirates)

Journal of Clinical Virology

Research paper thumbnail of ABO Blood Group in Relation to COVID-19 Susceptibility and Clinical Outcomes: A Retrospective Observational Study in the United Arab Emirates

Life

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Commentary: Vitamin D Status in Relation to the Clinical Outcome of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Tuberculosis Among Syrian People: An online cross-sectional study

International Journal of Medical Students

Background: TB was reported to have the highest mortality rate among other infectious diseases in... more Background: TB was reported to have the highest mortality rate among other infectious diseases in 2018 worldwide. Syria and other low-income countries have a higher incidence rate of TB in comparison to high-income countries. Stigma toward TB is extremely high in low-income countries like Syria, and these stigma delays patients from seeking healthcare facilities. Our purpose in this study is to assess the Syrian's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward TB and understand their Practice related to this disease. Methods: An online cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed between15 September 7 October 2022, among Syrians to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward TB. This questionnaire was adapted from a published study, and the inclusion criteria were all male and female Syrian citizens aged 18 or above. The survey was divided into four questions: the first section assessed sociodemographics, and the other sections were about knowledge, attitude, and pra...

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Influencing Disease Stability and Response to Tocilizumab Therapy in Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Antibiotics

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of The significance of antiglobulin (Coombs) test reactivity in patients with COVID-19

Research paper thumbnail of Vitamin D Status in Relation to the Clinical Outcome of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Frontiers in Medicine

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a newly emerged infectious disease that first appeared in China... more Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a newly emerged infectious disease that first appeared in China. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone with an anti-inflammatory protective role during viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 infection, via regulating the innate and adaptive immune responses. The study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. This was a retrospective study of 126 COVID-19 patients treated in NMC Royal Hospital, UAE. The mean age of patients was 43 ± 12 years. Eighty three percentage of patients were males, 51% patients were with sufficient (> 20 ng/mL), 41% with insufficient (12–20 ng/mL), and 8% with deficient (<12 ng/mL) serum 25(OH)D levels. There was a statistically significant correlation between vitamin D deficiency and mortality (p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant correlation between 25(OH)D levels and ICU admission (p = 0.03), but not with the need for mechanical ve...

Research paper thumbnail of Interactive effects of immunoglobulin gamma and human leucocyte antigen genotypes on clearance and persistence of infection with hepatitis C virus

Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 2007

Particular alleles of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and immunoglobulin gamma (GM) and immunoglobu... more Particular alleles of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and immunoglobulin gamma (GM) and immunoglobulin kappa (KM) allotypes (polymorphic determinants of IgG heavy chains and k-type light chains, respectively) are associated with the outcome of several infections. To examine their role in the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we genotyped 50 individuals with resolved and 117 with persistent HCV infection. None of the GM, KM or HLA-C genotypes by themselves were associated with the resolution or persistence of HCV infection. However, particular combinations of HLA and GM genotypes were associated significantly with the outcome of HCV infection. Subjects with the HLA C1C1 genotype, in the absence of GM ff, were more than seven times [odds ratio (OR) 7•15] as likely to have persistent infection as the subjects who lacked both these genotypes. The presence of GM ff, in the absence of HLA C1C2, was associated with the resolution of infection (OR 0•27). The absence of GM fz, in the presence of HLA C2C2, was also associated with the resolution of infection (OR 0•27). Compared to the subjects who lacked both these genotypes, subjects with GM fz, in the absence of HLA C1C2, were almost four times as likely to have persistent infection (OR 3•91); similarly, subjects with HLA C1C2, in the absence of GM fz, were almost three times as likely to have persistent infection (OR 2•80). These results show, for the first time, interactive effects of GM and HLA genotypes in the outcome of HCV infection.