Association of the CD14 gene polymorphism C-159T with allergic rhinitis.

Background: Altered expression of the cluster differentiation antigen, CD14, may affect the proportion of T-helper type 1 (Th1) to Th2 cells, thereby influencing the immunoglobulin E (IgE) response and associated inflammatory phenotype in allergic conditions. Therefore, the gene encoding CD14 is considered as a positional candidate gene for atopy. Recently, a functional C-159 T polymorphism has been described in the promoter region of the gene and has been associated with increased gene expression and atopic phenotypes in various ethnic populations. We evaluated the relationship between the C-159 T polymorphism in the promoter of the CD14 gene and the total serum IgE level in Chinese adult patients with allergic rhinitis.

Methods: Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to determine the C-159 T polymorphism in subjects with allergic rhinitis (n = 92) and nonallergic disease controls (n = 72). Total serum IgE was also measured.

Results: In the allergic rhinitis group, the frequency of the TT homozygotes was significantly higher than for the control group (p < 0.05). In both groups, the C-159 T polymorphism is not associated with serum IgE levels.

Conclusion: TT homozygotes are more common in adult patients with allergic rhinitis among the Chinese population.