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Polymorphism of the interleukin-4, interleukin-13, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 genes in Indonesian children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) in children is frequently associated with allergy and immunoglobulin E (IgE) production. T-helper subtype 2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, have been implicated in the regulation of IgE production. We investigated the associations of gene polymorphisms of IL-4, IL-13, and signal transducer and activator 6 (STAT6) in Indonesian children with MCNS (n = 84) and controls with neither allergic nor renal disease (n = 61). METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the IL-4 promoter gene polymorphism (-590C/T) and IL-13 gene polymorphism (4257G/A), and direct sequencing was used for the STAT6 3S untranslated region (2964G/A) polymorphism. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the MCNS group and the controls in the genotypic distribution of IL-4 and IL-13 gene polymorphism. In the case of the IL-4 promoter gene, the frequency of the CC homozygote was significantly lower in the MCNS group than in the controls, while, in the case of IL-13, the frequency of the GG homozygote was significantly lower in the MCNS group. However, there was no difference between the MCNS group and the controls in the STAT6 gene polymorphism. CONCLUSION: The genetic variations in the IL-4 and IL-13 genes may be associated with predisposition to MCNS.

Case-Control Studies↗

Joint linkage and association of six single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the factor XIII-A subunit gene point to V34L as the main functional locus.

OBJECTIVE: Activated factor XIII (FXIII) crosslinks fibrin to enhance the mechanical strength of a blood clot and increase its resistance to fibrinolysis. The prevalence of a common variant in the FXIII-A gene (V34L) has been reported to be lower in patients with myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke than in controls, suggesting a protective role for this polymorphism in vascular diseases. The current study investigated 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the FXIII A-subunit gene to locate functional polymorphism(s) responsible for variation in FXIII activation. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 201 dizygotic twin pairs were genotyped for 1 promoter and all common nonsynonymous coding polymorphisms in the FXIII A-subunit gene: -246G>A, V34L, Y204F, P564L, V650I, and E651Q. Tests of linkage, association, and combined linkage and association were performed using QTDT software. Significant linkage to the V34L polymorphism (P=5 x 10(-12)) as well as association (P=3 x 10(-49)) was observed. Adjusting for association while performing linkage made the linkage signal disappear for the V34L polymorphism (from chi2=47.55, P=5x10(-12) to chi2=1.30, P=0.25). Only haplotypes containing the 34L allele showed association with FXIII activation. CONCLUSIONS: Testing multiple SNPs in the FXIII A-subunit gene indicates that V34L is the main functional polymorphism influencing FXIII activation.

Adult↗

Identification of polymorphisms in the promoter and the 3' region of the TAFI gene: evidence that plasma TAFI antigen levels are strongly genetically controlled.

Thrombin-activable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a recently described carboxypeptidase that is potentially involved in the regulation of fibrinolysis by decreasing plasminogen binding to the fibrin surface. This role makes the TAFI gene a good candidate in atherothrombotic diseases. The great interindividual variability of plasma TAFI antigen levels is poorly explained by lifestyle characteristics, thus suggesting its genetic determination. To test this hypothesis, the promoter and the 3'-untranslated region of the TAFI gene were screened for polymorphisms, and their contribution to the variability of plasma TAFI antigen levels was evaluated. Seven new polymorphisms are described, 5 in the promoter (C-2599G, -2345 2G/1G, A-1690G, G-1102T, and G-438A) and 2 in the 3'UTR (C+1542G and T+1583A). All these polymorphisms were in strong linkage disequilibrium with each other and with the previously described Ala147Thr polymorphism. They generated 4 main haplotypes, accounting for 80% of all observed haplotypes. In univariate analyses, all polymorphisms were associated with plasma TAFI Ag levels and, individually, contributed to a large fraction of plasma TAFI Ag levels, ranging from 20% to 52%. In a stepwise regression analysis including all polymorphisms, several combinations remained significantly and independently associated with plasma TAFI Ag levels: C+1542G associated with Ala147Thr, T+1583A, or -2345 2G/1G explaining 61.6%, 60.2%, and 58.1% of the variance, respectively. These findings clearly demonstrate that circulating levels of TAFI are strongly determined by polymorphic variations in the promoter and the 3'UTR of the TAFI gene. (Blood. 2001;97:2053-2058)

3' Untranslated Regions↗

A study of the relationships between KLF2 polymorphisms and body weight control in a French population.

BACKGROUND: Factors governing adipose tissue differentiation play a major role in obesity development in humans. The Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factor KLF2/Lung KLF (LKLF) is a negative regulator of adipocyte differentiation. In this study, we sequenced the human KLF2 gene and several common polymorphisms were found, among them the Pro104Leu and 3'UTR 1239C>A polymorphisms. METHODS: To evaluate the impact of these polymorphisms on anthropometric variables in humans, we genotyped a general population composed of 1155 French individuals (including 232 obese subjects) for these polymorphisms and looked for potential statistical associations with obesity-related variables. RESULTS: The frequency of the Leu104 and 1239A alleles were 0.22 and 0.18 respectively. Genotype and allele frequencies of the two polymorphisms were comparable in obese, overweight and normal weight subjects. No association between the rare alleles of the polymorphisms and anthropometric variables (BMI, weight, waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio and plasma leptin levels) could be detected. Haplotype analyses did not reveal further significant associations. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the Pro104Leu and 3'UTR 1239C>A polymorphisms in KLF2 are not associated with obesity and obesity-related traits in humans.

Adult↗

The (CTG)n polymorphism in the NOTCH4 gene is not associated with schizophrenia in Japanese individuals.

BACKGROUND: The human NOTCH4 gene is a candidate gene for schizophrenia due to its chromosomal location and neurobiological roles. In a British linkage study, NOTCH4 gene polymorphisms were highly associated with schizophrenia. In a Japanese case-control association study, however, these polymorphisms did not show significant associations with schizophrenia. We conducted a case-control study with Japanese subjects to explore an association between the triplet repeat polymorphism in the NOTCH4 gene and schizophrenia, including subtypes of schizophrenia, longitudinal disease course characteristics, and a positive family history for psychoses. METHODS: We examined the (CTG)n repeat polymorphism in the NOTCH4 gene among 100 healthy Japanese individuals and 102 patients with schizophrenia (22 paranoid, 38 disorganized, 29 residual, 64 episodic, 31 continuous, 42 with prominent negative symptoms, and 46 with positive family histories) using a polymerase chain reaction-based, single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: Five different alleles consisting of 6, 9, 10, 11, and 13 repeats of CTG (Leu) in patients with schizophrenia, and 4 alleles consisting of 6, 9, 10, and 11 repeats in controls were found. No significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies of repeat numbers were found between controls and patients. In addition, there were no associations between the polymorphism and schizophrenia subtypes, longitudinal disease course characteristics, or positive family history of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a lack of association between the NOTCH4 gene triplet repeat polymorphism and schizophrenia in Japanese individuals.

Adult↗

Genotyping for polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolism as a predictor of disease susceptibility.

Polymorphisms in many xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes occur leading to variation in the level of enzyme expression in vivo. Enzymes showing such polymorphisms include the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1 and the phase two metabolism enzymes glutathione S-transferase MI (GSTMI) and arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2). In the past, these polymorphisms have been studied by phenotyping using in vivo administration of probe drugs. However, the mutations which give rise to several of these polymorphisms have now been identified and genotyping assays for polymorphisms in CYP1A1, CYP2A6, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, GSTMI, and NAT2 have been developed. Specific phenotypes for several of the polymorphic enzymes have been associated with increased susceptibility to malignancy, particularly lung and bladder cancer, and Parkinson's disease. These associations are likely to be due to altered activation or detoxication of chemicals initiating these diseases, including components of tobacco smoke and neurotoxins. The substrate specificity and tissue distribution of polymorphic enzymes implicated in disease causation discussed with particular reference to previously described disease-phenotype associations.

Animals↗

TNFalpha promoter polymorphisms.

Polymorphisms in the promoter of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) gene have been reported to affect the transcription rate and the release of this cytokine. Among the best studied, the -238 and -308 polymorphisms have been associated with an increased transcriptional activity and TNFalpha release, whereas the -863 polymorphism have been associated with a reduced transcriptional activity. A growing body of evidence indicates that these polymorphisms may affect susceptibility to different diseases. Here we describe a method to detect the -238, -308, and -863 TNFalpha polymorphisms by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Briefly, DNA is amplified by PCR using mutagenic primers containing a single base-pair mismatch adjacent to the polymorphic site to introduce a restriction site into the wild-type nucleotide sequences after amplification. The PCR products are then digested with specific restriction enzymes and analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis.

Alleles↗

Polymorphisms of GLUT2 and GLUT4 genes. Use in evaluation of genetic susceptibility to NIDDM in blacks.

The liver/islet (GLUT2) and muscle/adipose tissue (GLUT4) glucose-transporter gene products, membrane proteins that facilitate glucose uptake into cells, are important molecules for normal carbohydrate metabolism. Recent isolation of the genes encoding these proteins provides a means to assess the role of possible defects that might contribute to impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion or impaired insulin-mediated glucose uptake, both prominent phenotypic features of non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM). A GLUT2 cDNA clone was isolated from a human liver cDNA library to search for polymorphisms at this locus in American Blacks. Three highly polymorphic sites were identified, one of which (EcoRI-Hae III) appears to be due to an insertion and/or deletion of 200 base pairs of DNA. Significant linkage disequilibrium between these sites over approximately 30 kilobases of genomic DNA suggested that these polymorphisms could be in linkage disequilibrium with mutations at this locus if they exist. A GLUT4 cDNA clone was also utilized to search for polymorphisms at this locus, but only one previously described polymorphism was observed. GLUT2 and GLUT4 cDNA probes were used to evaluate DNA polymorphisms in genomic DNA from American Blacks with NIDDM. The allelic, genotypic, and haplotypic frequencies of the DNA polymorphisms at these loci did not differ from the frequencies in nondiabetic subjects. Because no associations with NIDDM were found, it appears unlikely that mutations at these loci contribute in a major way to the genetic susceptibility to NIDDM observed in American Blacks.

Alleles↗

The Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta 3-Adrenergic receptor gene. Lack of association with NIDDM and features of insulin resistance syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of the Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene with NIDDM and the features of insulin resistance syndrome in subjects from eastern Finland. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We determined the prevalence of the Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in 110 patients with NIDDM (54 men and 56 women, age 63 +/- 1 years, BMI 30.4 +/- 0.5 kg/m2), in 183 patients with features of insulin resistance syndrome (103 men and 80 women, age 44 +/- 0 years, BMI 31.1 +/- 0.4 kb/m2), and in 82 normoglycemic control men (age 54 +/- 1 years, BMI 26.3 +/- 0.4 kg/m2). RESULTS: The allele frequency of the Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene was similar in patients with NIDDM, in patients with insulin resistance syndrome, and in control subjects (0.08, 0.07, and 0.07, respectively; NS). In addition, this polymorphism was not associated with low resting metabolic rate, abdominal obesity, increased lipid oxidation, hypertension, or earlier development of NIDDM as previously described. Furthermore, in 82 normoglycemic male control subjects the Trp64Arg polymorphism was not associated with insulin resistance evaluated by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp. CONCLUSIONS: The Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta 3-adrenergic receptor gene is unlikely to be a major genetic predisposer to NIDDM or insulin resistance syndrome in subjects from eastern Finland.

Adult↗

The role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 polymorphisms in sporadic intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECT: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases that mediate vascular remodeling by degrading extracellular matrix components, such as collagen and elastin. On the basis of accumulating evidence that implicates increased MMP-2 (gelatinase A) and MMP-9 (gelatinase B) amounts and activity in the pathogenesis of aneurysms, the authors investigated the genetic association between polymorphisms in MMP-2 and MMP-9 and sporadic intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: Eight polymorphisms located in MMP-2 and MMP-9 were genotyped, and the association of these variations with disease was assessed in a Caucasian population consisting of 125 patients with intracranial aneurysms and 234 ethnically matched healthy volunteers. Polymorphisms in the MMP-2 gene and the haplotypes generated from these polymorphisms were not associated with the occurrence of intracranial aneurysms. However, a polymorphism located in the 3' untranslated region of MMP-9 showed a significant association with disease in the study population, with individuals carrying the TT genotype at increased risk for developing intracranial aneurysms (odds ratio 1.91, p = 0.005). Haplotypes containing the T allele of this polymorphism also showed a comparable association with disease. Similar results were obtained in an analysis of these polymorphisms in a subgroup of patients who presented with ruptured aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings support a role for MMP-9, but not MMP-2, in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms.

Female↗

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia in a Japanese population.

Recent studies have suggested that vitamin D is an important determinant of prostate cancer risk and inherited polymorphisms in the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with the risk and progression of prostate cancer. This study was conducted to explore the association of VDR gene polymorphisms with prostate cancer risk in Japanese men who are considered to be much less influenced by environmental risk factors for prostate cancer. We studied 222 prostate cancer patients, 209 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, 128 male controls who were over 60 years old and without any evidence of prostate cancer or BPH, and 198 female controls. A PCR-RFLP method was used to determine three VDR gene polymorphisms in the 3'UTR characterized by restriction enzymes BsmI, ApaI and TaqI. In the BsmI polymorphism, heterozygosity or homozygosity for the absence of the BsmI restriction site was associated with one-third the risk of prostate cancer (P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 2.05-5.32) and with one-half the risk of BPH (P < 0.005; odds ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-3.22) compared with the male controls. The TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms did not show any significant association with either prostate cancer or BPH. The results indicate that the BsmI polymorphism in the VDR gene plays a significant role in protection against prostate cancer and BPH. Because of the racial difference in the strength of the linkage disequilibrium between the three polymorphisms, additional studies are required to apply the present results to other racial-ethnic groups.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

[Clinical significance and strategies to analyze genetic polymorphisms].

A DNA polymorphism can be defined as a difference in the primary sequence of DNA, and the frequency of the rarer allele among the general population exceeds 1%. Several types of polymorphisms, including minisatellite and microsatellite markers, deletion or insertion of short nucleotide sequences, and single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs), are present in human genome, with different frequencies and different distribution patterns. SNPs are very common and clinically important, because they often appear within genes, particularly within coding sequences. The biological significance of a polymorphism differs significantly depending upon its location within the genome. For example, polymorphisms located outside genes usually do not have biological consequences, and will be used merely as markers for genetic linkage. On the other hand, those located within a gene may cause subtle changes in transcription, mRNA stability, or protein conformation if amino acid substitution occurs. These subtle changes in biologically important factors then alter susceptibility to certain disorders. Environmental factors often interact with genes. Relationships between genetic polymorphisms and disease susceptibility have been reported on many kinds of human diseases, including neurological and psychiatric disorders, infectious diseases, endocrine and metabolic disorders, malignancy, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Recent years have seen the progress in novel strategies for rapid genotyping of a large numbers of polymorphisms, and also, for searching unknown SNPs.

Genetic Predisposition to Disease↗

[The Rsa I and Sma I polymorphisms in the von Willebrand factor gene discrimination by hybridization with oligonucleotide arrays].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new assay for the Rsa I and Sma I polymorphisms (single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP) in the von Willebrand factor gene detection that utilizes oligonucleotide arrays (DNA chips) on glass supports. Expoloring the association of the RsaI and SmaI polymorphisms in the von Willebrand factor gene with thrombosis in Chinese. METHODS: Allele-specific oligonucleotides are covalently immobilized on glutaradehyde derivatized glass slides in arrays. Single strand PCR product of PCR-amplified genomic DNA is fluorescently labeled by assymetric PCR with fluorescently tagged dUTP and hybridized to the support-bound oligonucleotide array. The hybridization pattern is detected by fluorescence scenning. The effect of hybridization conditions were evaluated and optimized. The method was validated by the discrimination of blinded DNA samples identified by restriction enzymes. 50 patients with thrombosis were examined by this method. RESULTS: The genotypes scored by oligonucleotide arrays assay were in 100% agreement with restriction enzymes results. The genotype distributions GG, GA, AA and CC, CT, TT of RsaI and SmaI polymorphisms of patients or controls were 4.0%, 12.0%, 84.0% and 24.0%, 44.0%, 32.0% or 1.4%, 11.8%, 86.8% and 8.8%, 57.4%, 33.8%. The allele frequencies G, A and C, T were 10.0%, 90.0% and 46.0%, 54.0% or 7.4%, 92.6% and 37.5%, 62.5%. No statistical difference in genotype distribution and allele frequencies was observed between patients with thrombosis and the control groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: A rapid and accurate method for the RsaI and SmaI polymorphisms in the von Willebrand factor gene detection, or for the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been developed using oligonucleotide arrays on glass supports. No association was observed between the Rsa I and Sma I polymorphisms in the vWF gene and thrombotic disease.

Alleles↗

[Genetic polymorphism of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1F and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the genetic polymorphisms of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1F(UGT1F) and the relationship between polymorphisms and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: The polymorphisms of UGT1F of 84 patients with HCC and 144 healthy controls were detected by PCR-denaturation gradient gel electrophoresis-sequencing or PCR-single strain conformation polymorphsim-sequencing. RESULTS: Three new single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP) were found: the first one was a transversion of TrarrG at nucleotide 232; the second one was the transition of ArarrG at nucleotide 528 in exon 1; the last one was the transition of ArarrG at nucleotide 376 in intron 2. Additionally, the polymorphism at nucleotide 754 was proved in this study. The frequencies of genotype and allele of 4 loci in cases and controls were analyzed. Both frequencies of genotype G/G(13.10%) and allele G (29.17%) of position 754 of UGT1F in cases were sig nificantly greater than those in controls (2.78% and 19.44% ) respectively. For other loci, the difference between the two groups were not significant. CONCLUSION: Exons 2-5 of UGT1F are highly conservative, but exon 1 emerges highly polymorphic. And the polymorphism at locus 754 may be related with HCC.

Alleles↗

Polymorphic changes in the 5' flanking region of factor VII have a combined effect on promoter strength.

Polymorphic differences in the 5' flanking region of the gene encoding procoagulant protein Factor VII (FVII) are associated with variations in FVII coagulant activity (FVII:C) and FVII antigen (FVII:Ag) levels. A decanucleotide insert polymorphism (CCTATATCCT) at 323 bp upstream of the start site of translation correlates with a decrease of approximately 20% FVII: C levels per allele containing this insert. However, linkage disequilibrium of the decanucleotide polymorphism with two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at -122 and -401 have made it difficult to pinpoint the functional role, if any, of these genetic changes in lowering FVII levels. In vitro reporter gene studies in HepG2 cells analyzing the 8 possible combinations of polymorphic sites at -401, -323, and -122 reveal the necessity of the presence of the three concurrent polymorphic changes to maximally decrease promoter strength. In addition, these in vitro results are supported by in vivo studies in 89 individuals of African heritage, 34% of whom display a new haplotype that shows the polymorphic changes at -323 and -401 but lacks the change at -122.

5' Flanking Region↗

[The relationship of apolipoprotein H G1025C (Try316Ser) polymorphism with stroke and its effect on plasma lipid levels in Changsha Hans].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between G1025C (Try316Ser) polymorphism in exon 8 of apolipoprotein H (apoH) gene and stroke and to evaluate the effect of G1025C(Try316Ser) polymorphism on plasma lipid levels in Changsha Hans. METHODS: G1025C (Try316Ser) polymorphism in apoH gene was determined by PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing in 100 healthy controls, 260 patients with stroke, and 20 stroke pedigrees. Serum antiphospholipid antibody (APA) levels were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Plasma lipid levels were measured by routine methods. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in frequencies of genotypes and alleles of G1025C (Try316Ser) polymorphism between the controls and stroke patients. The serum levels of TG in the GC genotype of cerebral infarction patients and controls were markedly higher than those in GG genotype. CONCLUSION: There was no association betweenG1025C (Try316Ser) polymorphism and stroke in Changsha Hans. G1025C (Try316Ser) polymorphism was associated with plasma lipid metabolism in Changsha Hans.

Adult↗

[A case-control study on natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate association between the natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Chinese Han population. METHODS: Hospital-based case-control study design was adopted. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique were used to type three NRAMP1 polymorphisms (INT4, D543N and 3'UTR). Information on related factors of tuberculosis was collected using a pre-tested standard questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic analyses were conducted using SPSS for window software package. Totally, 110 cases of TB were selected during April 2001 to June 2002, with an average age of (27.7 +/- 12.7) years. Also, 180 cases of healthy control were selected, aged (27.3 +/- 9.2) years in average. Locus of NRAMP1 polymorphism was analysed with univariate method. RESULTS: Univariate analysis demonstrated that the D543N G/A and 3'UTR TGTG+/del genotype occurred more frequently in the cases than in the controls, with crude odds ratios (OR) (95% CI) of 2.22 (1.03 - 4.78) and 1.93 (1.14 - 3.26), respectively. No significant association was observed between TB and INT4 polymorphisms. In multivariate analysis, associations of TB and D543N G/A and 3'UTR TGTG+/del genotypes remained, adjusted for exposure history and bacille Camette-Guérin immunization. Adjusted OR (95% CI) was 3.04 (1.12 - 8.27) and 2.36 (1.20 - 4.64), respectively. Still, no significant association between INT4 polymorphisms and TB was found. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of D543N and 3'UTR locus in NRAMP1 gene might affect their susceptibility to TB in Chinese Han population.

Adolescent↗

[Association of the vitamin D receptor gene start codon polymorphism with vitamin D deficiency rickets].

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency rickets often causes growth retardation, impaired bone formation and hypocalcemia in children. It is well known that rickets is mainly caused by vitamin D deficiency, but whether there is hereditary susceptibility of children to develop vitamin D deficiency rickets is unknown. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene has been used as one of genetic markers in studying the metabolic diseases of bone. The present study aimed to explore the hereditary susceptibility of children to develop rickets through studying the association between VDR gene start codon polymorphism and vitamin D deficiency rickets, METHODS: The subjects were selected from Kunming city, every subject was of Han ethnic group. The subjects were composed of two groups, the patient group consisted of 48 children with active vitamin D deficiency rickets which was diagnosed clinically and confirmed radiologically; the control group was composed of 92 normal children. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), DNA sequence analysis and genetic analysis methods were used. A restriction fragment length polymorphism in the start codon of VDR gene (FokI) was tested in both groups. RESULTS: VDR gene start codon polymorphism was tested successfully for every subject. Frequencies of FF, Ff and ff genotypes were 46%, 33% and 21% in the rickets group, and 22%, 52% and 26% in the control group, respectively. A significant difference was found in the frequency distribution of VDR genotype between two groups (chi(2) = 8.912, P = 0.012). In the patient group, Ff and ff genotypes were less common than control group, but the FF genotype was more common than control group (OR = 3.046), indicating that FF genotype may be significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency rickets. Moreover, VDR allele frequencies of FokI polymorphism also showed significant difference between the two groups (chi(2) = 5.451, P = 0.020), F alleles were more common in patient group than in control group. DNA sequence analysis identified that the start codon of F allele was mutated from ATG to ACG. CONCLUSION: There is an association between VDR gene start codon polymorphism and vitamin D deficiency rickets. This study suggested the possibility that VDR gene polymorphism might be important in determining an individual's susceptibility to development of vitamin D deficiency rickets.

Base Sequence↗