Correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms in CXCR4 microRNA binding site and the susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis in Han Chinese population

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the microRNA target sequence in CXCR4 and the susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 305 patients with KOA and 305 healthy controls were recruited into this study. The genotypes of CXCR4 rs1804029 and rs17848060 loci were analyzed. RESULTS: The susceptibility to KOA of CXCR4 rs1804029 G allele carriers was 1.33 times (95% CI: 1.09‐1.54, P = .006) that of T allele carriers. The KOA susceptibility in individuals carrying T allele at CXCR4 rs17848060 locus was 1.38 times that of individuals carrying A allele (95% CI: 1.17‐1.57, P < .001). The G allele at CXCR4 rs1804029 locus was the target of hsa‐miR‐146a‐3p, while the A allele at CXCR4 rs17848060 locus could be targeted by hsa‐miR‐20a‐3p. The plasma level of hsa‐miR‐146a‐3p was lower in rs1804029 G allele carriers than T allele carriers (P < .001), whereas plasma level of hsa‐miR‐20a‐3p was higher in rs17848060 T allele carriers than A allele carriers (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The SNPs at rs1804029 and rs17848060 loci in CXCR4 were significantly associated with the susceptibility to KOA in Han Chinese population.