Background: Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) gene polymorphisms promote intestinal bacterial translocation (BT). Three common NOD2 gene polymorphisms (R702W, G908R and 1007fs) were recently identified as important genetic risk factors for the occurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and also for poor prognosis in western patients of liver cirrhosis. Our aim was to see the association of these three common NOD2 gene polymorphisms with SBP and other major complications of liver cirrhosis,along with disease prognosis, in Indian population cohort. 

Methods: Ninety seven consecutive patients of decompensated liver cirrhosis and 45 healthy controls were recruited. Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded. Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were calculated as disease severity scores. All patients and healthy controls underwent genetic testing for the three common NOD2 gene polymorphisms. Association of these NOD2 gene polymorphisms with major complications of cirrhosis as well as with disease severity, and mortality over 6-months was studied. 

Results: Out of the three common NOD2 gene polymorphisms studied, only 1007fs polymorphism was identified in six (6.18%) cirrhotic patients. None of the healthy controls showed any of the three polymorphisms. There was no statistically significant association between the  presence of 1007fs polymorphism and major complications of cirrhosis or with disease severity and mortality over 6-months. 

Conclusions: Common NOD2 gene polymorphisms are not significantly associated with SBP and other major complications of liver cirrhosis or  with poor prognosis.