Association of the Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Iran

Abstract

Background: Different genes such as vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene have some roles in IBD susceptibility. Some studies have recognized the relation of VDR gene polymorphisms with inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Determining the frequency of these polymorphisms and their possible relation with IBD can improve understandings about genetic background of these diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the association of VDR gene polymorphisms (Apa I, Taq I, Bsm I, Fok I) with IBD in Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control designed study 100 UC, 50 CD patients and 150 sex and age matched healthy controls, hospital base, were selected. These patients were referred to "Taleghani Hospital" during a one year period (2004-2005). Assessment of VDR gene polymorphisms was performed by PCR-RFLP method.

Results: Only the frequency of the Fok I polymorphism was significantly higher in UC and CD groups. The frequency of the polymorphic allele f was higher in UC and CD groups comparing with controls (p=0.019, OR=1.581 and p‹0.001, OR=2.642, respectively). The f/f genotype was significantly more frequent in UC and CD patients comparing with controls (p=0.010, OR=2.774 and p‹0.001, OR = 5.947, respectively). There were no significant differences between frequencies in patients and controls in other polymorphisms.

Conclusion: There is a relation between Fok I polymorphism in VDR receptor gene and IBD in Iran but no association was observed with other 3 polymorphisms.