Association of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 gene polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) is a negative regulator of the activity of NF-κB in the cells and genetic variations in TNFAIP3 may be implicated in the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development. Objective The purpose of this paper is to evaluate TNFAIP3 gene polymorphism in SLE and its relationship with autoimmune parameters. Methods The study was carried out on 94 children suffering from SLE and 94 healthy controls of matched age and sex. TNFAIP3 polymorphism by RT-PCR using TaqMan assay, and levels of serum antinuclear and serum anti-double-stranded DNA were measured by ELISA technique. Complement C3 and C4 were estimated by using turbidimetric assay. Results The results showed that there is no significant correlation of TNFAIP3 alleles or genotypes with risk of development of SLE (P>0.05). In addition, the authors did not detect any significant correlation between alleles or genotypes of TNFAIP3 with SLE clinical features and immune disorders (P>0.05). Conclusion The authors concluded that TNFAIP3 polymorphism is not associated with SLE risk. In addition, these results suggested no significant association between the TNFAIP3 SNP and autoimmune parameters, or any complications among SLE individuals.