Association between TNF-Alpha (-857) Gene Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: TNF-α as a pro-inflammatory cytokine plays a key role in host defense against tuberculosis (TB). Presence of mutation in TNF-α gene can influence the effectiveness, performance and capability of immune responses against this infection. The Aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of TNF-α alleles and its relationship with susceptibility to TB and TNF-α gene variations. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted and 103 healthy controls and 93 TB patients were enrolled. Genotype of TNF-238, TNF -244, TNF-308, TNF -857 and TNF-863 were distinguished using PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: TNF-857 and TNF-863 were in high frequency mutation regions in a population level, and a significant difference at TNF-857 was noticed between the two groups of case and control. CONCLUSION: Presence of mutation in TNF-857 region probably increases the host susceptibility to mycobacterial infection. Genotyping of these regions in combination with other factors can be used for screening of high risk persons. According to high distribution of mutations in TNF-857 and TNF-863 regions, further studies on association of these regions is suggested.