Association of LOX gene G473A polymorphism with the occurrence of allergic rhinitis and efficacy of montelukast sodium in children

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is very common in adolescents, and current treatment options are complex and unsatisfactory. The objective of this study was to analyze the association of lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene G473A polymorphism with susceptibility to AR in children. In addition, we analyzed the therapeutic effect of montelukast sodium on AR. Forty-five children with AR (research group, 8.16±2.88 years old) and 51 healthy children (control group, 8.22±3.87 years old) during the same period were selected. The LOX gene G473A polymorphism was detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The effect of G473A polymorphism in the occurrence of AR was assessed by logistic regression analysis. In addition, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin (IL-6), and IL-8 were measured to observe the relationship between G473A polymorphism and inflammatory factors. Finally, montelukast sodium was given to children with AR to investigate the effect of G473A polymorphism on clinical outcomes. The number of G473A polymorphisms in the research group was not significantly different from the control group for GA-type (P = 0.521). However, the number of GG-type polymorphisms was less while the number of type AA was more than the control group (P = 0.044 and 0.046). Children carrying the AA gene had an approximately 4-fold increased risk of AR, while those carrying the GG gene had a decreased risk (P < 0.001). Moreover, children carrying the GG gene had lower levels of CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 and better clinical outcomes, while those carrying the AA gene had higher levels of inflammatory factors and worse outcomes (P<0.05). LOX gene G473A polymorphism is closely associated with AR pathogenesis and may have an important research value in antagonizing the therapeutic effect of montelukast sodium.

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; G473A polymorphism; inflammation; lysyl oxidase; montelukast sodium.

Figure 1.

PCR- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis for LOX G473A. After electrophoresis, homozygous G alleles which contain the CG site were recognized by DNA bands at 142 bp in length. An uncut fragment of 228 bp indicated the homozygous a alleles free of the CG site, and the heterozygous GA genotype was displayed as a 114 bp band.

Figure 2.

Association of LOX gene G473A polymorphism with the degree of inflammation in RA. (a-c) Comparison of inflammatory factors in children with type GG and non-GG. (d-f) Comparison of inflammatory factors in children with type GA and non-GA. (g-i) Comparison of inflammatory factors in children with type AA and non-AA. * indicates that the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05).