Association of NRAMP 1 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to tuberculosis in Taiwanese aboriginals.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE:

The human homologue of mice natural-resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp 1) gene, NRAMP 1, has been reported to play a role in susceptibility to tuberculosis in humans. The aboriginal population in Taiwan has a five-fold higher prevalence of tuberculosis than people of Han ethnicity. Whether genetic factors such as NRAMP 1 polymorphism play a role in the prevalence of tuberculosis in Taiwanese aboriginals should be clarified.

METHODS:

NRAMP 1 polymorphism was studied using a case-control design of patients with tuberculosis, including subjects of Han (Hans) and aboriginal ethnicity in Hualien, eastern Taiwan. The polymorphisms of NRAMP 1 at loci INT4, D543N, 77-385C/T, 3-UTR (CAAA) deletion and 5-(CA)n microsatellite markers were assessed by polymerase chain reaction on tissue DNA isolated from 105 aborigines and 110 Hans with tuberculosis. Comparable numbers of ethnically-matched controls were studied simultaneously.

RESULTS:

Two NRAMP 1 polymorphisms, INT4 and 5-(CA)n, were significantly associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis in aboriginals (p = 0.0070 and p = 0.0031, respectively). However, no association was detected at the five loci of NRAMP 1 polymorphisms among Hans (p > 0.08).

CONCLUSION:

Genetic variation in NRAMP 1 may affect susceptibility to and increase risk for tuberculosis in Taiwanese aboriginals. Although environmental factors play an important role in tuberculosis infection, genetic factors such as NRAMP 1 polymorphism may also contribute to the high prevalence of tuberculosis in Taiwanese aboriginals.

• Authors: Yung-Hsiang Hsu, Chaio-Wei Chen, H Sunny Sun, Ruwen Jou, Jen-Jyh Lee, Ih-Jen Su
• Journal: Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi (J Formos Med Assoc) Vol. 105 Issue 5 Pg. 363-9 (May 2006) ISSN: 0929-6646 [Print] Singapore
• PMID: 16638645 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cation Transport Proteins
• natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1

Topics

• Adult
• Asian People (genetics)
• Case-Control Studies
• Cation Transport Proteins (genetics)
• Ethnicity (genetics)
• Female
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease (ethnology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Taiwan
• Tuberculosis (ethnology, genetics)