Association of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α gene promoter -308 and -238 polymorphism with psoriasis in North Indian population

Abstract

Background/objective Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an important proinflammatory cytokine that plays a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of TNF-α −308G/A and TNF-α −238G/A polymorphism, haplotype, and serum level in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Materials and methods A total of 200 psoriatic patients and 200 controls were genotyped for TNF-α −308G/A and TNF–α −238G/A polymorphism by using polymerase chain reaction. In addition, serum levels of TNF-α were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Polymorphism of TNF–α −308 was found to be associated with a decreased risk for psoriasis odds ratio=0.29; (95% confidence interval=0.14–0.62), and polymorphism of TNF–α −238 was associated with an increased risk for psoriasis odds ratio=37.81; (95% confidence interval=12.77–112.01). HT2 GA haplotype was found to be associated with an increased risk for psoriasis. Moreover, the serum TNF-α level increased in patients compared with controls, with a significant correlation between serum TNF-α and psoriasis severity. Conclusion Our findings suggested that TNF-α polymorphisms imparted significant risk toward the development of psoriasis in north Indian population.