The association of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 gene polymorphisms with the risk of asthma in the Chinese Han population

BackgroundGenetic background is one of the important risk factors for development of asthma. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) has been involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between NOD2 gene polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. MethodsChildren with asthma (n=309) and Healthy children (n=163) were recruited from Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, China, between January 2016 and December 2017. The NOD2 gene polymorphisms were measured by the Snapshot SNP genotyping assays. Genotyping was performed for 4 tag SNPs of NOD2. Serum IFN-beta levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsThe serum IFN-beta levels were significantly lower in Asthmatic children than those in the controls (p<0.001). Low levels of IFN-beta may be related to the susceptibility to severe asthma. The rs3135499 C allele was associated with a significantly increased risk of asthma as compared with the rs3135499 A allele. ConclusionThe rs3135499 polymorphism of NOD2 gene and IFN-beta may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma.