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TNF-238 polymorphism may predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia among preterm infants in the Egyptian population

Nasser A Elhawary1, Mohammed T Tayeb, Shereen Abdel-Ghafar

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. naelhawary@uqu.edu.sa

Pediatric Pulmonology
|January 30, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The TNFα -238G > A polymorphism is linked to an increased risk and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants in Egypt. The presence of the A allele may serve as a biomarker for predicting BPD outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neonatology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) poses a significant and growing health challenge in Egypt.
  • Genetic factors may influence BPD development and severity in vulnerable preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) -238G > A polymorphism and the risk and severity of BPD in Egyptian preterm neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective genotyping of 220 preterm neonates (birth weight <1,500 g, gestational age 26-32 weeks) for the TNFα -238G > A polymorphism.
  • Assessment of clinical risk factors for BPD, including mechanical ventilation, antenatal steroids, surfactant therapy, and sepsis.

Main Results:

  • The TNFα -238G > A polymorphism was associated with a twofold increased risk of BPD (OR = 2.86).
  • The -238A allele was more prevalent in infants with BPD (23%) compared to those without (15%).
  • The A allele frequency correlated with BPD severity, being less common in mild cases (9%) and more frequent in moderate (52%) and severe (39%) BPD. The AA genotype was observed in 15% of BPD cases but not in controls.

Conclusions:

  • The TNFα -238G > A polymorphism, specifically the A allele, shows potential as a biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes in preterm infants with BPD in Egypt.
  • Even a single copy of the mutant A allele may influence the severity of BPD, highlighting its clinical significance.
Abstract

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