Polymorphism of the TGFB1 gene is not associated with bronchial allergic asthma in a Polish population

Allergic asthma is a complex genetic disorder that involves interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Some studies have indicated that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), a pleiotropic cytokine regulating inflammatory reactions and airway remodeling, may participate in the pathogenesis of asthma. Several polymorphisms have been described in the TGFB1 gene; some were tested in allergic asthma, with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations of four TGFB1 gene polymorphisms (−800G>A, −509C>T, 869T>C, and 915G>C) with allergic asthma in a Polish population. These four single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in 247 asthmatic patients (including 207 atopic individuals) and 287 unrelated healthy volunteers by means of the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method. No significant differences between patients and controls in allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies were reported. Logistic regression analysis of genotype distribution and allele positivity adjusted for age and sex did not reveal any significant differences between all patients or patients selected for atopy and controls. Thus, no evidence was reported for a contribution of the TGFB1 gene to allergic asthma in a Polish population. The results are discussed in the context of similar studies in other populations.