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[DNA analysis of HLA class II and III genes in sudden infant death (SIDS)]
E Keller1, A Andreas, J Teifel-Greding
1Labor für Immungenetik der Kinderpoliklinik der LMU, Universität München.
Insights
Sudden Infant Death (SID) cases showed increased C4B gene deletions and duplications, and 21-hydroxylase-A gene deletions. A significant decrease in HLA-DR2 was observed in SID infants, suggesting potential genetic risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Abstract:
In 39 cases of SID we studied the polymorphism of HLA-class II genes DRB and DQB and HLA-class III genes C4 (C4A and C4B, genes encoding the fourth complement component) and 21-hydroxylase (21OH-A and 21OH-B, genes encoding the enzyme 21-hydroxylase of the cortisol pathway) by DNA analysis. This study was performed in cooperation with the Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Munich. Compared to healthy controls the percentage of C4B gene deletions, C4B gene duplications (C4B "short") and 21OH-A gene deletions is increased in SIDS. The deviations are statistically not significant. The analysis of the HLA-DR alleles revealed a significant decrease of HLA-DR2 in SIDS compared to controls (p = 0.0016, pc = 0.016). The results of this study indicate a possible role of C4B/21OH-A gene defects as a risk factor in a subgroup of SID cases. This hypothesis has to be confirmed by studying further cases.