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Published on: July 15, 2011
TNF alpha and NRAMP1 polymorphisms in leprosy
Sasijit Vejbaesya1, Punkae Mahaisavariya, Panpimon Luangtrakool
1Department of Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Prannok Rd, Bangkok 10700, Thailand. sisve@mahidol.ac.th
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) gene variant TNF-308A is linked to increased susceptibility to multibacillary leprosy. This finding highlights TNF-alpha
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Human Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Leprosy is a complex infectious disease influenced by genetic factors.
- Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and Natural Killer Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1) are key immune-related genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between TNF-alpha and NRAMP1 gene polymorphisms and leprosy susceptibility.
- To differentiate the genetic contribution in multibacillary versus paucibacillary leprosy.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of TNF-alpha (-238, -308) and NRAMP1 (INT4, D543N, 3' UTR) polymorphisms using PCR-SSP and PCR-SSO.
- Study included 37 leprosy patients (24 multibacillary, 13 paucibacillary) and 140 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- The TNF-308 G/A genotype frequency was significantly higher in all leprosy patients compared to controls (p=0.04, OR=2.69).
- The TNF-308A allele frequency was significantly elevated in multibacillary leprosy patients versus controls (p=0.04, OR=2.93).
- No significant associations were found for TNF-238 or NRAMP1 polymorphisms.
Conclusions:
- The TNF-308A polymorphism is associated with an increased susceptibility to developing multibacillary leprosy.
- TNF-alpha genetic variations may play a role in leprosy pathogenesis, particularly in the multibacillary form.
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