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Background
Cytokine gene polymorphisms regulate cytokine expression. We analyzed TGF-β allelic variation in codon 25 in susceptibility to acute rejection episodes in cardiac transplant recipients.
Methods
Between June 1997 and December 2001, 123 de novo heart transplants were performed at UAB with analysis based on 109 patients. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded at intervals up to 1 year post transplant. Recipient genotypes for TGF-β (codon 25) were determined using PCR sequence specific primers. Correlations between TGF-β genotypes and acute rejection were made using Kaplan-Meier plots and parametric hazard models.
Results
Of those enrolled, 72% had ≥1 rejection and 46% had multiple rejections in the first year post transplant. Among those ≥ 55 years of age at transplant, patients with the GG genotype had significantly fewer rejections as compared to those with the CC or GC genotype (1.25 vs 2.5, p < 0.01). There was no difference in the risk of rejection between the genotype groups among patients < 50 years of age at transplant (p=0.43). Similar results were observed when we used time to cumulative 2R or greater rejection as the outcome.
Conclusion
The GG TGF-β genotype may protect against acute rejection in older recipients during the first year post transplantation.
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