Molecular studies in asthmatic children. Part I : Cd14 polymorphism in allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is associated with the recruitment of the inflammatory cells into the bronchial mucosa. Surface expression of CD14, a marker of activation and differentiation of macrophages/ monocytes, was suggested to protect against Th-2 response. Objective: To investigate clinical effects of genetic polymorphism of CD14 promoter in asthmatic children. Methods: In ISAAC survey, 50 children with asthma were identified (wheezing in the last year, serum IgE level >150 klU/l, positive bronchial challenge test with aerolized hypertonic saline) and 73 children without the above signs. Age range of surveyed children was 13-14 years. Genotypic pattern of CD14 promoter -159 C to T transition was assessed by RFLP method. Results: There was no difference in the allelic (0.36 vs. 0.38 for - 159T) or genotype frequencies (0.12 vs. 0.15 for -159TT) of CD14 polymorphism between allergic asthmatics and controls. Moreover, there was no relationship between CD14 genotype and serum IgE level or bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Conclusion: Our results do not confirm the association of CD14 polymorphism (promoter-159 C to T transition) with asthma in Polish children.