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

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.