Polymorphisms in the CD14 gene associated with pulmonary function in farmers.
OBJECTIVE
Farmers experience airway obstruction, which may be attributable in part to endotoxin inhalation. CD14 is a receptor for endotoxin.


METHODS
Based on our findings of increased circulating CD14 associated with the CD14/-159 T allele, we hypothesized that carriers of this allele would have decreased lung function among endotoxin-exposed individuals. CD14/-159TT farmers (n = 19) had significantly lower lung function as measured by FEV1 (p = 0.028) and mean forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the FVC (FEF25-75) (p = 0.05) compared with farmers with the C allele (n = 78). Also, farmers with the CD14/-1619GG genotype (n =11) were associated with lower lung function (FEV1, p = 0.008; FEF25-75, p = 0.009) compared with farmers with the A allele (n = 86).


RESULTS
No association between CD14/-550 and lung function was observed (FEV1, p = 0.32; FEF25-75, p = 0.11). Increased prevalence of wheezing was reported in farmers homozygous for CD14/-159T (p = 0.013) or CD14/-1619G (p = 0.019) compared with farmers with the CC or AA genotype, respectively. No association was found between TLR4/Asp299Gly and lung function or wheeze.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the CD14/-159 or CD14/-1619 loci may play a role in modulating lung function and wheeze among agricultural workers.
LeVan
Tricia D
TD
Arizona Respiratory Center and Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
Von Essen
Susanna
S
Romberger
Debra J
DJ
Lambert
G Patrick
GP
Martinez
Fernando D
FD
Vasquez
Monica M
MM
Merchant
James A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005203:Farmer's Lung / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011336:Probability; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D018950:Lipopolysaccharide Receptors