Candidate gene analysis of asthma in a population of Arab descent: a case-control study in Jordan.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate whether SNPs (n = 15) in ten candidate genes (ADRB2, ADH5, ARGI, CRHR1, STIP1, LTA4H, LTC4S, ALOX5, ABCC1 and OATP2B1) are associated with asthma in Jordanian population of Arab descent. METHODS: A case-control study included 245 adult asthmatics and 249 controls. RESULTS: Significant genetic association was identified at the rs2236647 (T/C) SNP in STIP1 and risk of asthma (p < 0.001). The C allele and CC genotype of this SNP were significantly higher in asthmatics compared with controls. The rs1141370 SNP (Val34Met) in ADRB2 is not polymorphic in our cohort. CONCLUSION: The rs2236647 SNP could act as a reliable tool to identify individuals at risk of developing asthma and provision of early intervention in population of Arab descent.