Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Gene G-308A and G-238A Polymorphisms are Not Associated with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Taiwan

Purpose. The aim of this study was to test whether tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α gene polymorphisms could be used as markers of susceptibility or severity of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among the Chinese population in Taiwan. Methods. A group of 115 patients with RHD diagnosed by echocardiography, and another group of 103 age and sex-matched normal control subjects were studied. TNF-α gene G-308A and G-238A polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction analysis. Results. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotypes and allelic frequencies of the TNF-α gene G-308A and G-238A polymorphisms between RHD patients and controls. Further categorization of RHD patients into mitral valve disease and combined valve disease subgroups also revealed no statistical difference in these gene polymorphisms when compared with controls. Conclusions. These findings suggest that the TNF-α gene G-308A and G-238A polymorphisms are not suitable genetic markers for RHD in Taiwan Chinese.