TNFα Gene Polymorphism in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by a chronic inflammatory process and abnormal wound healing. Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) is considered to play a key role in fibroblast proliferation and increased collagen synthesis. It appears that there is a genetic predisposition to IPF. The genetic associations of TNF-a with IPF have been reported in different cohorts and revealing conflicting results. This study was conducted to evaluate the association of TNF- alpha-308 G/A polymorphism with IPF in Iranian patient by PCR-RFLP method. TNFa gene polymorphism at position 308 G/A was examined on DNA extract of 41 cases with IPF defined clinically, radiologically and histologically and compared with 82 unrelated healthy controls who were kidney donors. The understudy population included 20 males and 21 females with the mean age of 50.4 yrs. Data showed that the frequencies of G allele (NO:72) and A allele (NO:10) were 87% and 12% respectively. The frequency of G/G genotype (NO:31) was 76%, followed by G/A (No:10) being 24%.we had no A/A genotype. There was no association between TNF alpha-308 G/A polymorphism and IPF in Iranian patients. (Tanaffos 2006; 5(1): 25-30)