Association of Rho-kinase Gene Polymorphisms with Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of the newborn is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Our objective was to determine the association between Rho-kinase (ROCK1 and ROCK2) gene polymorphisms and RDS in preterm neonates.



A total of 193 preterm infants with RDS and 186 preterm infants without respiratory problems were included in this study. Polymorphisms were analyzed in genomic DNA using a BioMark 96.96 dynamic array system.



We observed that ROCK1 gene rs2271255 (Lys222Glu) and rs35996865 polymorphisms, and ROCK2 gene rs726843, rs2290156, rs10178332, and rs35768389 (Asp601Val) polymorphisms were associated with RDS. However, no associations were found with rs73963110, rs1515219, rs965665, rs2230774 (Thr431Asn), rs6755196, and rs10929732 polymorphisms. Additionally, 12 haplotypes (6 in ROCK1 and 6 in ROCK2) were found to be markedly associated with RDS.



This is the first study to examine the involvement of ROCK gene variation in the risk of incident RDS. The results strongly suggest that ROCK gene polymorphisms may modify individual susceptibility to RDS in the Turkish population.
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Gül
G
Kaya
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey. Electronic address: esivasli@yahoo.com.
Ercan
E
Sivasli
Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Serdar
S
Oztuzcu
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Nuriye A
NA
Melekoglu
Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Esma
E
Ozkara
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Sanko University, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Unal
U
Sarikabadayi
Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Abdullah T
AT
Demiryürek
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000235:genetics*; D014421:Turkey; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases / Q000235:genetics*
C515851:ROCK1 protein, human; C515852:ROCK2 protein, human; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases
ROCK gene; polymorphism; preterm infants; respiratory distress syndrome