Association of Higher Defensin β-4 Genomic Copy Numbers with Behçet’s Disease in Iraqi Patients
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2015, Vol 15, Issue 4
Abstract
Objectives: Behçet’s disease (BD) is an immune-mediated small vessel systemic vasculitis. Human β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides associated with many inflammatory diseases and are encoded by the β-defensin family of multiple-copy genes. However, their role in BD necessitates further investigation. Te aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association of BD in its various clinical forms with defensin β-4 (DEFB4) genomic copy numbers. Methods: Tis case-control study was conducted from January to September 2011 and included 50 control subjects and 27 unrelated Iraqi BD patients registered at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Bagdad, Iraq. Copy numbers of the DEFB4 gene were determined using the comparative cycle threshold method by duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction technology at the Department of Dermatology of Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. Results: DEFB4 genomic copy numbers were signifcantly higher in the BD group compared to the control group (P = 0.010). However, no statistically signifcant association was found between copy numbers and clinical variables within the BD group. Conclusion: Te DEFB4 copy number polymorphism may be associated with BD; however, it is not associated with different clinical manifestations of the disease.
Authors and Affiliations
Ammar F. Hameed| Departments of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, Sameh Jaradat| Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany, Bassam M. Al-Musawi| Departments of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, Khalifa Sharquie| Departments of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, Mazin J. Ibrahim| Departments of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, Raafa K. Hayani| Department of Dermatology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, Johannes Norgauer| Department of Dermatology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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