Association of Polymorphisms with Keratoconus in Algeria.

PURPOSE

The aim of this case-control study was to determine the impact of environmental factors on the predisposition to develop keratoconus in a sample of Western Algerian population. Subsequently, we were interested in the implication of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2070874 and rs3761548, previously described as contributing to the occurrence of allergy, in the development of keratoconus.

METHODS

The study included 70 unrelated KC cases and 70 controls originating from Western Algeria. DNA genotyping was done using predesigned probe-based allelic discrimination TaqManⓇ assays. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between the cases and controls by Chi-square test and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

A significant association between risk factors such as family history, atopy, eye rubbing, and the development of keratoconus was found in our sample. Smoking would provide a protective effect against the pathology. No statistically significant differences were found in the allele and genotype frequencies between cases and controls neither for rs2070874 nor for rs3761548.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides, for the first time, a clear demonstration of the absence of association of the allergy-associated and polymorphisms with KC in a sample from Western Algerian population.