Detection of TNF-α as a Cofactor in the Pathogenesis of Nasal Polypi

Abstract Background Nasal Polyposis (NP) is a complex multi-factorial disease; associated with several environmental, genetic and inflammatory factors. TNF-alpha is one of the major pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in NP pathogenesis. Some of the polymorphisms of this gene affect its expression. Aim of the Work To evaluate the polymorphism of TNF-alpha G/A308 gene and its association with nasal polyposis in Egypt. Patients and Methods In this case-control study, 25 patients with NP and 25 healthy individuals referred to Ain Shams University hospital were evaluated. After DNA extraction, RFLP-PCR was used to determine polymorphism. Chi-square test was used to compare the frequency distribution of genotype and alleles of TNFalpha gene with NP. The frequency of genotype G/G, A/A and G/A in the NP group was 8, 40 and 52%, and in the control group was 76, 1 and 5%, respectively. Results There was a statistically significant difference between genotype G/G in two groups (P = 0.0001). In addition, the frequency of allele A in patients and controls was 10 and 1%, respectively; and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). The findings of this study demonstrated that polymorphism in TNF-alpha gene might be a risk factor for NP in Egypt and the minor frequency of TNF-alpha G308A allele in the current study is slightly more than other major populations. However, more investigations with high number of population are necessary in future. Conclusion According to scientific evidence on TNF-α gene promoter G/A 308 polymorphism in Egypt, it seems that the pattern of genotypic distribution in all areas is the same. However, we found the greater amount of allele A in this study compared with the control group, and the occurrence of G/A genotype related to NP but for more valid results, a larger sample size is necessary. However on our results this polymorphism might be considered as a risk factor of susceptibility of NP in Egyptian people.