CD14 tobacco gene–environment interaction in atopic children

• CD14 gene polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility to atopy in children.
• The haplotype -159T/-550T was found to be associated with a higher risk of atopy.
• Atopy is influenced by CD14 interaction with tobacco smoke exposure.
• No associations of both CD14 polymorphisms with IgE levels in all studied groups.
• The CD14 −159 TT and −550TT were associated with higher serum levels of sCD14.

Studying gene–environment interactions may elucidate the complex origins of atopic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of CD14 polymorphisms and atopy in Egyptian children and to study whether atopy is influenced by CD14 interaction with tobacco smoke exposure. CD14 −159 C/T and CD14 −550 C/T were genotyped in 500 asthmaic children, 150 allergic rhinitis children and 150 controls. We found that CD14 −159T allele, CD14 −550T allele and CD14 −159T/−550T haplotype were significantly associated with atopic asthma and allergic rhinitis groups. CD14 −159 TT and CD14 −550 TT genotypes associated with elevated IgE levels in children exposed to tobacco smoke. The TT genotype of CD14 −159 C/T and CD14 −550 C/T was associated with higher serum levels of sCD14. The present study indicated that CD14 gene polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility to atopy in Egyptian children and influenced with tobacco smoke exposure.