Catalase gene C-262T polymorphism: Importance in ulcerative colitis

Background and Aim Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of the cellular metabolism and have important roles in the normal physiology of the cell. However, when ROS production exceeds the antioxidant capacity, a state known as oxidative stress, damage to cellular macromolecules emerges. A crucial role in counteracting ROS is played by the enzyme catalase. A common polymorphism in the catalase (CAT) promoter region (C-262T) alters the expression as well as blood catalase levels, and leads to a number of human diseases. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory condition of the large bowel that is known to be influenced by oxidative stress. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of CAT C-262T polymorphism on the risk of UC. Methods Samples were collected from 60 patients diagnosed with UC and 78 control subjects, and genotyped by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Results We found that CAT C-262T genotype frequencies were significantly different between cases and controls (P=0.002). Individuals carrying the 262C/T genotype had a greater risk for UC compared with C/C genotype (odds ratio, 4.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.7313.75, P=0.002). Conclusions This study indicates that CAT C-262T polymorphism may be associated with UC, and that the 262C/T genotype may be a risk factor for the disease. Further studies are needed to confirm the results.