An analysis of association between growth factor gene polymorphisms and a risk of bronchial asthma in children

The aim of this study was to assess growth factor genes involvement in the pathogenesis of asthma. Methods. Associations between Arg25Pro polymorphic loci of transforming growth factor β growth (TGF β1) gene, A2073T epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, C634G vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) gene and a risk of bronchial asthma development were analyzed. DNA samples were isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes of 30 children with asthma and 27 healthy subjects. Gene polymorphisms were determined by the allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Results. The study revealed an association between Arg25Pro polymorphism of TGF β1 gene, C634G polymorphism of VEGFA gene and increased risk of asthma in children. The majority of patients were homozygous for 2073T allele of EGFR gene or carriers of ArgArg genotype of TGFβ1 gene. Frequencies of C634G polymorphism of VEGFA gene did not differed significantly between healthy children and asthma patients. Conclusion. The results of this study could help to select patients predisposed to asthma and to develop preventive measures taking into account individual characteristics of each patient.

bronchial asthma, genetics, polymorphism, TGFβ1, EGFR, VEGFA

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