Relevance of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2) variants for the development of hepatic encephalopathy

Background and aims: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the major complications of liver cirrhosis, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) represents one of the most common triggers of HE. Our previous study identified three common NOD2 polymorphisms as genetic risk factors for SPB and increased mortality in cirrhotic patients (Hepatology 2010;51:1327–33). Now we aim to assess whether these three NOD2 variants also increase the risk of developing HE and/or aggravate HE severity in patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. Patients and methods: In total 125 patients (80 males, 45 females; mean age 57.9 yea…