Associations between TGF-b1 G/A and TNF-a 308 G/A gene polymorphisms with airway resistance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important morbidity and mortality cause all over the world. Although specific gene region has not been defined in the pathogenesis of COPD, cytokine gene polymorphisms like tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) may contribute to the development of COPD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between airway resistance with TGF-β1 G/A and TNF-α 308 G/A gene polymorphisms in COPD patients. 264 subjects were included to the study (Group 1; 75 COPD patients, Group 2; 139 subjects with at least 10 packet year smoking history without airflow obstruction, Group 3; 50 healthy subjects). Pulmonary function tests and body plethysmography to measure airway resistance were performed to the subjects. TGF-β1 800 G/A and TNF-α 308 G/A gene polymorphisms were evaluated. Chi-square, Anova and correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. There were significant difference among COPD stages in terms of TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism (p< 0.05). Thirteen (23.6%) stage 1 COPD patients had TNF-α 308 G/A polymorphism and the other did not have. We did not find statistically significant difference among COPD stages in terms of TGF-β1 800 G/A polymorphism (p> 0.05). TNF-α and TGF-β1 genotypes and TNF-a 308 G/A and TGF-β1 800 G/A polymorphisms were not different among study groups. Moreover, no significant differences betweeen subjects with and without increased airway resistance in terms of TNF-α 308 G/A and TGF-β1 800 G/A polymorphisms were present. These results can suggest the lack of association between TNF-α 308 G/A and TGF-β1 800 G/A gene polymorphisms with COPD development and airway resistance in Turkish population.