Lack of association between a polymorphism in the interleukin-13 gene and total serum immunoglobulin E level among nuclear families in Costa Rica.

Abstract

IL-13 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma and in the regulation of IgE synthesis in humans. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-13 gene have been associated with asthma and total serum IgE level in Caucasian populations. To test for genetic association between an SNP in exon 4 of the IL-13 gene (IL-13 + 2044 or Arg130Gln) and total serum IgE level and asthma-related phenotypes in a population with high prevalence of asthma living in Costa Rica. Family-based association study. Among 83 Costa Rican school children with asthma and their parents (249 individuals), there was no evidence of linkage disequilibrium between the IL-13 + 2044 SNP and any of the outcomes of interest (total serum IgE level on a logarithmic scale, number of positive skin tests to aeroallergens, and asthma). These results were not significantly changed after adjustment for age and gender. No significant evidence of linkage disequilibrium between an SNP in exon 4 of the IL-13 gene and total serum IgE level, sensitization to allergens or asthma was found in a family-based association study in Costa Rica.