Genetic factors account for most of the variation in serum tryptase--a twin study

Mast cells are involved in a number of diseases, including inflammatory diseases such as asthma. Tryptase is a known marker of mast cell burden and activity. However, little is known about the genetic influence on serum tryptase variation. Also, only few and conflicting data exist on serum tryptase in asthma.

To estimate the overall contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the variation in serum tryptase and to examine the correlation between serum tryptase and asthma, rhinitis, markers of allergy, airway inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a sample of Danish twins.

A total of 575 twins underwent a skin prick test and had lung function, AHR to methacholine, exhaled nitric oxide and serum tryptase measured. Multiple regression and variance components models (using the statistical package SOLAR) were computed.

Serum tryptase values were available in 569 subjects. Intraclass correlations of serum tryptase in monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs were 0.84 and 0.42 (P < .001). Variance decomposition showed that genetic factors accounted for 82% (95% confidence interval 74-90, P < .001) of the variation in serum tryptase. Body mass index and sex, but not asthma, rhinitis, or AHR, were correlated to serum tryptase.

As much as 82% of the variation in serum tryptase is due to genetic factors. Body mass index and sex, but not asthma or AHR to methacholine, correlate to serum tryptase. A genetic overlap may exist between serum tryptase and body mass index.