The Association Between rs3756261 A/G Gene Polymorphism and the Risk of Ankylosing Spondylitis in a Chinese Han Population.

BACKGROUND

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a potent pro-angiogenic molecule promoting the angiogenic phenotype of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Studies demonstrated that rs3756261 polymorphism was associated with the risk of inflammatory diseases, but not including AS.

METHODS

To investigate the association between rs3756261 polymorphism and the risk of AS, we genotyped the rs3756261 polymorphism in 208 patients with AS and 412 controls in a Chinese Han population using a custom-by-design 48-Plex SNP scan Kit. The serum EGF levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 208 AS patients and 412 controls.

RESULTS

Our data indicated that rs3756261 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of AS in the Chinese Han population. Stratified analyses indicated that the rs3756261 polymorphism elevated the risk of AS among the males, smokers, drinkers and those aged <30 years. In addition, the rs3756261 polymorphism was related to increased CRP and HLA-B27 levels in AS patients. Next, we found that the average serum levels of EGF were significantly higher in AS patients compared with controls. Meanwhile, EGF serum levels were significantly higher in AG genotype carriers when compared with AA genotype carriers in AS patients.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study indicated that rs3756261 polymorphism was associated with the risk of AS and EGF serum levels in a Chinese Han population.