Polymorphisms of miR-146a and susceptibility to ulcerative colitis risk: a case-control study

Considering the role of miR-146a in the control of inflammation, we assessed the importance of two miR-146a polymorphisms (rs2910164 and rs57095329) in the development and severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Iran. Genomic DNA of 150 cases with UC and 200 healthy individuals were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP technique. Statistical analyses were performed using Med Calc software. The miR-146a rs2910164 C allele was significantly associated with increased risk of UC. Individuals carrying the CC (rs2910164) were more than fourfold higher risk of UC relative to wild type homozygotes. The combined GC + CC genotypes were also associated with increased UC risk. We also found that the rs2910164 CC genotype was associated with a severe form of the disease However, the distribution of variant allele and genotypes of rs57095329 did not differ between the cases and controls. In conclusion, miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism may play a role in UC. To confirm our findings, additional well-designed studies in diverse ethnic populations are required.