Genetic associations of psoriasis in a Pakistani population

Background Genetic predisposition to psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease affecting 02-4% of the world population, is well established. Thus far, 41 psoriasis susceptibility loci reach genome-wide significance (P5x10(-8)). Identification of genetic susceptibility loci in diverse populations will help understand the underlying biology of psoriasis susceptibility. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to examine psoriasis susceptibility associations previously reported in Chinese and caucasian populations in a Pakistani cohort. Methods Blood samples and phenotype data were collected from psoriasis cases and controls in Islamabad, Pakistan. DNA was isolated and genotypes of selected susceptibility markers were determined. The data were analysed using (2) tests or logistic regression for psoriasis association. Results HLA-Cw6 showed the strongest association [odds ratio (OR) 243, P=23x10(-12)]. HLA-Cw1 showed marginally significant association (OR 166, P=0049), suggesting that the HLA-Cw1-B46 risk haplotype may be present in the Pakistani population. Three other loci (IL4/IL13, NOS2, TRAF3IP2) showed nominally significant association (P<005). Conclusions HLA-Cw6 is strongly associated with psoriasis susceptibility in the Pakistani population, as has been found in every other population studied. In addition, HLA-Cw1 showed marginal association, reflecting the relative geographical proximity and thus likely genetic relatedness to other populations in which the HLA-Cw1-B46 haplotype is known to be associated. A larger cohort and a denser marker set will be required for further analysis of psoriasis associations in the South Asian population.