Does MBL2 codon 54 polymorphism play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis?

Abstract

Background Psoriasis is a T cell-mediated immune disease in which various cytokines, primarily tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), are complexly involved. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphisms decrease MBL serum levels, thereby increasing the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-. Objectives This trial was designed to evaluate the role of the MBL2 codon 54 polymorphism in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods Fifty patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris and 53 healthy subjects were included in the trial. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was applied to determine the MBL2 codon 54 polymorphism. Genotypes were determined according to the bands formed in agarose electrophoresis gels. For the statistical analysis, the level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results A total of 33 (66.0%) of the 50 psoriasis patients were detected to have A/A genotype and 17 (34.0%) had B/B genotype. Of the control subjects, 44 (83.0%) had A/A genotype and nine (17.0%) had B/B genotype. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P=0.047). The analysis of allele frequencies revealed A allele prevalences to be 79 (79.0%) and 95 (89.6%), and B allele prevalences to be 21 (21.0%) and 11 (10.4%), in the patient and control groups, respectively. A statistically significant difference between allele frequencies was detected (P=0.031). Conclusions This study suggests that the MBL2 codon 54 polymorphism may have an association with psoriasis in the Turkish population.