The influence of HLA antigens on progression of alcoholic liver disease.

The aim of our study was to elucidate further possible genetic influences on the incidence and progression of alcoholic liver disease. We determined HLA A, B and DR antigens in a well-controlled group of chronic alcoholics with and without liver disease, in repeated liver biopsies over period of 8.1 years (+/- 0.4 SEM). Patients with the antigen B 35 had an increased incidence of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, and especially a more rapid progression to cirrhosis (p less than 0.01). Increased susceptibility of these patients was shown by a more rapid progression of liver disease, despite the consumation of less alcohol over a shorter period. Results of this long-term study suggest that there is a sub-group of alcoholics genetically predisposed to higher susceptibility with more rapid deterioration of alcohol-induced liver disease.