Polymorphism of the CD14 gene in perennial allergic rhinitis

Objectives: Allergic diseases have strong genetic backgrounds. Recently, a C-T polymorphism in the promoter region of CD14 has been associated with phenotypes of atopy in some populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of CD14/-159 polymorphism with total serum IgE levels and number of positive skin prick tests in Korean population with perennial allergic rhinitis. Study design: Prospective study. Methods: Deoxyribonucleic acid obtained from 164 children with perennial allergic rhinitis and 160 healthy controls were typed for the promoter polymorphism of CD14 gene at position -159 by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Genotype frequencies, total serum IgE levels, and the number of positive skin tests for each genotype were compared. Results: There were no significant differences in the CD14/-159 genotype frequencies between the allergic rhinitis group and the control group. In the skin prick test-positive population, the CC homozygotes were associated with higher serum total IgE levels and greater number of positive skin tests compared with subjects with CT and TT alleles (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results from the present study suggest that CD14/-159 polymorphism may play a role in the development of perennial allergic rhinitis in Korean children.