Investigation of TNF-α(rs1800629) in patients with Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata (AA) is characterized by an autoimmune hair loss usually, but not limited to, the scalp, affecting approximately 1-2% of the general population. Although the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease is still unknown, it is known that TNFα-308G/A polymorphism can influence the development of AA. The aim of this study was to investigate TNF-α(rs1800629) in patients with Alopecia Areata.

This study included 30 AA patients and 15 healthy subjects. Genomic DNA was isolated using DNG plus method and DNA was amplified by PCR-RFLP to detect TNFα-308G/A polymorphism. Furthermore, association of this TNFα-308G/A with demographic factors was assessed.

PCR-RFLP results showed that GG was the most frequent genotype in both patient and control groups (P= 0.816). GA genotype was detected in 30% and 20% of patients and controls, respectively (P= 0.477). Genotype AA was detected in 6.7% of controls.

The results of TNFα-308G/A polymorphism showed no significant difference with respect to AA disease and demographic factors (p>0.05).