The Functional −765G→C Polymorphism of the COX-2 Gene May Reduce the Risk of Developing Crohn's Disease

Contains fulltext : 87827.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key enzyme involved in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. COX-2 is mainly induced at sites of inflammation in response to proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1alpha/beta, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha produced by inflammatory cells. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible modulating effect of the functional COX-2 polymorphisms -1195 A-->G and -765G-->C on the risk for development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a Dutch population. METHODS: Genomic DNA of 525 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 211 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 973 healthy controls was genotyped for the -1195 A-->G (rs689466) and -765G-->C (rs20417) polymorphisms. Distribution of genotypes in patients and controls were compared and genotype-phenotype interactions were investigated. RESULTS: The genotype distribution of the -1195A-->G polymorphism was not different between the patients with CD or UC and the control group. The -765GG genotype was more prevalent in CD patients compared to controls with an OR of 1.33 (95%CI 1.04-1.69, pC polymorphism was associated with a reduced risk for developing Crohn's disease in a Dutch population.