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Tumour necrosis factor gene polymorphisms in lymphoproliferative disease
T Mainou-Fowler1, A M Dickinson, P R Taylor
1University Department of Haematology, School of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Leukemia & Lymphoma
|August 23, 2000
Summary
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha is linked to lymphoproliferative diseases. Genetic variations in the TNF gene were studied, but no significant differences were found, suggesting TNF alleles are not predisposing factors for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha plays a role in lymphoproliferative diseases.
- Elevated serum levels of TNF alpha and its soluble receptors are observed in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) and serve as prognostic markers in lymphoma.
- TNF alpha production is genetically regulated, with polymorphisms in the TNF gene cluster potentially influencing its synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of specific TNF gene alleles (TNFA, TNFB, TNFd) in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and Hodgkin's disease (HD).
- To determine if these TNF alleles are associated with genetic predisposition to lymphoproliferative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of TNF alleles (TNF1, TNF2, TNFB1, TNFB2, TNFd1-d5) was performed.
- Allele frequencies were compared between patients with B-CLL, NHL, HD, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in the frequency of the tested TNF alleles were observed between patients with lymphoproliferative diseases and normal controls.
- The prevalence of high TNF alpha- and TNF beta- producing alleles and polymorphic microsatellite alleles did not differ across the studied groups.
Conclusions:
- The studied TNF alleles (TNFA, TNFB, TNFd) do not appear to be genetic predisposing factors for the development of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or Hodgkin's disease.
- Genetic variations within the investigated TNF gene regions are unlikely to contribute to the susceptibility of these lymphoproliferative disorders.