CXCL12 and CXCR4 polymorphisms and expressions in peripheral blood from patients of hepatocellular carcinoma

To determine if CXCL12 (rs1801157) and CXCR4 (rs2228014) polymorphisms are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) susceptibility, and detect their expressions in peripheral blood. 206 HCC patients, 252 chronic hepatitis B patients, 221 liver cirrhosis patients and 275 healthy volunteers were recruited. Genes and were amplified and genotyped. Their expression in peripheral blood were detected. rs1801157 and rs2228014 polymorphisms were associated with increased susceptibility of HCC, and genotypes GA/AA and CT/TT may be risk factors of HCC (all p < 0.05). Expressions of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in peripheral blood from HCC patients increased significantly (p < 0.05). CXCL12 and CXCR4 polymorphisms may be risk factors for HCC, and they may be potential HCC markers.