Gene Variants, mRNA and NOD1/2 Protein Levels in Tunisian Childhood Asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a common respiratory childhood disease that results from an interaction between genetic, environmental and immunologic factors. The implication of nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain 1 and 2 (NOD1/CARD4, NOD2/CARD15) was highlighted in many inflammatory diseases.

METHODS: In this case-control study, we analyzed the association of three NOD2 polymorphisms and one NOD1 variant, in 338 Tunisian asthmatic children and 425 healthy Controls, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. We also assessed NOD1 and NOD2 mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and ELISA techniques.

RESULTS: The homozygous AA genotype of rs2075820 was a risk factor for asthma (OR 2.39). The influence of the E266K variant in the presence of the heterozygous AG genotype was higher in male than female groups. The homozygous AA genotype was a risk factor associated with asthma, for patients aged between 6 and 18 years OR 2.39, IC95% (1.04-5.49) p < 0.01. The mRNA expression of NOD1, but not NOD2, was enhanced in asthma patients compared to Controls. We noted a significant difference between asthmatics and healthy controls in NOD1 protein expression (asthma patients : 31.18 ± 10.9 pg/ml, Controls: 20.10 ± 2.58 pg/ml; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The NOD1 rs2075820 variant was associated with a higher childhood asthma risk and the NOD1 expression at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased in asthma patients.