Lack of Association Between PTGER4 Polymorphisms and Acute Anterior Uveitis in Chinese Population

Multiple studies have associated PTGER4 polymorphisms with susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases, particularly ankylosing spondylitis (AS)-a condition strongly linked to the onset of acute anterior uveitis (AAU). Given this association, we investigated whether PTGER4 variants are associated with AAU susceptibility in Chinese populations.

To identify PTGER4 disease susceptibility loci, we recruited 904 healthy subjects (AS-AAU-) and 402 AAU patients (AAU+AS-). Genotyping used the MassArray system (iPLEX Gold). SNP allele and genotype frequency differences between groups were assessed with chi-square tests. To account for multiple comparisons, we applied the Bonferroni correction. Additionally, haplotype analysis and stratified analysis were conducted to further explore potential genetic relationships.

The two PTGER4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) loci (rs10440635, rs4133101) exhibited no significant correlation with susceptibility to AAU. No significant differences in haplotype frequencies were observed between AAU groups and controls following stratified analysis.

Our findings demonstrate that the two loci, rs10440635 and rs4133101 in PTGER4, were not found to be associated with susceptibility to AAU in this population. Specifically, for rs10440635, the odds ratio (OR) was 0.924 (95% CI: 0.757-1.128, p = 0.438), and for rs4133101, the OR was 0.918 (95% CI: 0.777-1.085, p = 0.314). Even after stratifying the analysis by HLA-B27 status, no statistically significant association was observed. To further elucidate the potential role of PTGER4 in these conditions, additional studies with larger sample sizes, broader genetic variants, and more diverse ethnic populations are warranted.contribution of PTGER4 to these diseases.