Association of DPP4 Gene Variants with Classic and DPP4 Inhibitor-Associated Bullous Pemphigoid

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Dermatology
• Pharmacogenomics

Background:

• Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering skin disease.
• Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) are used to treat type 2 diabetes.
• A potential association exists between DPP4i use and BP development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association of specific DPP4 gene variants (rs3788979 and rs12617656) with classic BP (cBP) and DPP4i-associated BP.
• To evaluate the predisposition to BP in patients treated with DPP4 inhibitors.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of DPP4 variants rs3788979 and rs12617656 using PCR-RFLP.
• Comparison of genotype and allele frequencies between cBP patients, DPP4i-associated BP patients, healthy controls, and diabetic patients on DPP4i.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• The CT+TT genotypes of rs3788979 were significantly associated with an increased risk of DPP4i-associated BP compared to cBP and healthy controls.
• The T allele of rs3788979 was also found to be enriched in DPP4i-associated BP.
• The TC genotype of rs12617656 showed a significant association with cBP susceptibility.

Conclusions:

• DPP4 gene variants are potential risk factors for bullous pemphigoid.
• These findings support the need for personalized risk assessment before initiating DPP4 inhibitor (gliptin) therapy.
• Larger studies are required to confirm these genetic associations.