Haptoglobin 2-2 Genotype is Related to the Severity of Liver Damage in Hepatitis B Patients with Liver Steatosis

The Haptoglobin ( ) genotypes have been linked to immune diseases and play a significant role in metabolic diseases. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between gene polymorphism and the severity of hepatitis B accompanied by liver steatosis. A total of 182 with Hepatitis B and concurrent hepatic steatosis were included in the study. Clinical biochemical indices for each participant were recorded. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes for globin genotyping. Of these participants, 128 underwent biopsy from which histological data were collected. Subjects with hepatitis B and hepatic steatosis carrying the 2-2 genotype exhibited elevated alanine transaminase (ALT), c-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and aspartate amino transferase (AST) levels. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and the copy number of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-DNA were significantly reduced in those with the 2-2 genotype ( < 0.05). Furthermore, individuals processing the 2-2 genotype demonstrated a heightened hepatitis score and advanced fibrosis stage ( < 0.05). Notably, the 2-2 genotype was independently associated with increased inflammation (odds ratio (OR) = 7.059, < 0.001) and progressive fibrosis (OR = 3.05, < 0.022). The 2-2 genotype is significantly associated with increased severity in cases of hepatitis B with coexisting hepatic steatosis.