Association between TNFA-308 G/A polymorphism and sensitization to para-phenylenediamine: a case-control study

Allergy. 2009 Feb;64(2):279-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01704.x. Epub 2008 Mar 29.

Abstract

Background: Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and related chemicals are common contact sensitizers, frequently causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays a key role in contact sensitization.

Methods: In this case-control study, we evaluated the distribution of variations in the regulatory region of the gene for TNF-alpha (TNFA-308 G/A) in 181 Caucasian individuals with a history of ACD and sensitization to PPD and 161 individuals with no history of sensitization to PPD.

Results: The frequency of GA or AA TNFA genotypes was significantly higher in individuals sensitized to PPD than in age- and gender-matched controls giving an odds ratio (OR) of 2.16 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.35-3.47; P = 0.0016). This relation was even more pronounced when restricting cases to females over 45 years (OR = 3.71; 95% CI: 1.65-8.31; P = 0.0017) vs younger females (less than or equal to 45 years; OR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.03-5.65; P = 0.044) or males (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.449-2.47; P = 1.0). In addition, a logistic regression model revealed a significant effect for TNFA-308 AA and AG vs GG genotype (point estimate = 2.152; 95% Wald CI: 1.332-3.477).

Conclusions: These findings suggest a possible role for the TNFA-308 genetic polymorphism as a susceptibility factor for chemically induced ACD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alleles
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Coloring Agents / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenylenediamines / adverse effects*
  • Phenylenediamines / immunology
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics*

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Phenylenediamines
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • 4-phenylenediamine