Polymorphisms of and susceptibility to ulcerative colitis risk: a case-control study.

Considering the role of miR-146a in the control of inflammation, we assessed the importance of two polymorphisms ( and ) in the development and severity of ulcerative colitis (UC) in Iran. Genomic DNA of 150 cases with UC and 200 healthy individuals were genotyped using the PCR-RFLP technique. Statistical analyses were performed using Med Calc software. The C allele was significantly associated with increased risk of UC. Individuals carrying the CC () were more than fourfold higher risk of UC relative to wild type homozygotes. The combined GC + CC genotypes were also associated with increased UC risk. We also found that the CC genotype was associated with a severe form of the disease However, the distribution of variant allele and genotypes of did not differ between the cases and controls. In conclusion, polymorphism may play a role in UC. To confirm our findings, additional well-designed studies in diverse ethnic populations are required.