Polymorphisms rs2745557 in PTGS2 and rs2075797 in PTGER2 are associated with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development in a Tunisian cohort

We hypothesized that polymorphisms of genes involved in the prostaglandin pathway could be associated with COPD. In this study we explored the involvement of genetic polymorphisms in PTGS2, PTGER2 and PTGER4 genes in the development and severity of COPD and their effects on plasma concentrations of inflammatory/ oxidative stress markers. We identified genotypes of PTGS2, PTGER2 and PTGER4 SNPs in a Tunisian cohort including COPD patients (n = 138) and control subjects (n = 216) using PCR-RFLP and PCR TaqMan. Pulmonary function (FEV1 and FVC) were assessed by plethsmography. PGE2, PGD2 and cytokine plasma (IL-6, IL-18, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta) concentrations were measured using ELISA and colorimetric standard methods were used to determine oxidative stress concentrations. Genotype frequencies of rs2745557 in PTGS2 and rs2075797 in PTGER2 were different between COPD cases and controls. There was no correlation between these polymorphisms and lung function parameters. For rs2745557, the A allele frequency was higher in COPD cases than in controls. For rs2075797, carriers of the GG genotype were more frequent in the COPD group than in controls. Only rs2745557 in PTGS2 had an effect on PGD(2) and cytokine plasma concentrations. PGD(2) was significantly decreased in COPD patients with the GA or AA genotypes. In contrast, IL-18 and NO plasma concentrations were increased in COPD rs2745557 A allele carriers as compared to homozygous GG subjects. Our findings suggest that rs2745557 in PTGS2 and rs2075797 in PTGER2 are associated with COPD development but not with its severity.

Automated summary

This study found that rs2745557 in PTGS2 and rs2075797 in PTGER2 are associated with the development of COPD, but not with its severity. Only rs2745557 in PTGS2 had an effect on PGD(2) and cytokine plasma concentrations, with PGD(2) significantly decreased in COPD patients with GA or AA genotypes. IL-18 and NO plasma concentrations were increased in COPD rs2745557 A allele carriers compared to homozygous GG subjects.