Genetic polymorphisms in the CD40 ligand gene and Kawasaki disease.
BACKGROUND
Although some previous studies have reported that genetic and immunological factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD), the etiological factors of this enigmatical pediatric disease are still poorly understood.


OBJECTIVE
This study aims to investigate whether polymorphisms of the CD40 ligand (CD40L) gene are associated with KD and the development of coronary artery lesions (CAL) in the Taiwanese children.


METHODS
The CD40L -3459 A/G and IVS4+121 A/G single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 167 children with KD and 1,010 ethnically matched healthy controls by TaqMan assay.


RESULTS
None of the CD40L polymorphisms was associated with susceptibility or CAL development of KD, and this finding was supported by the haplotype analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, these results provide little support for specific CD40L SNPs in the susceptibility or CAL development of KD in Taiwanese children. However, it will be necessary to validate or replicate this association in other independent large-size ethnic groups.
Huang
Fu-Yuan
FY
Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, 45, Min-Sheng Rd., Tamshui, 25115 Taipei, Taiwan.
Chang
Tzu-Yang
TY
Chen
Ming-Ren
MR
Chiu
Nan-Chang
NC
Chi
Hsin
H
Lee
Hung-Chang
HC
Lin
Shuan-Pei
SP
Chen
Chih-Kai
CK
Chan
Hui-Wen
HW
Chen
Wei-Fang
WF
Liu
Hsin-Fu
HF
Chu
Chen-Chung
CC
Lin
Marie
M
Lee
Yann-Jinn
YJ
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D023201:CD40 Ligand / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D013624:Taiwan
D023201:CD40 Ligand