Background/aims: Several studies from Western populations have recently shown that three mutations in NOD2 gene (C2104T, G2722C, and 3020insC) are associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease (CD). However, three mutations were shown not to be associated with CD in Japanese and Chinese population. Here, we have analyzed the frequency of three NOD2 mutations in Korean patients to determine whether the NOD2 mutations are associated with susceptibility to CD in Korean population.
Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 128 patients with CD, 47 patients with ulcerative colitis, 19 Behcet's colitis, and 200 healthy controls. DNA in the region of three NOD2 mutations was sequenced by single base extension method, and the frequency of mutations were analyzed.
Results: Among the subjects in our study groups, including patients with CD, ulcerative colitis, Behcet's colitis, and healthy controls, none had NOD2 mutations.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that although three NOD2 mutations are associated with susceptibility to CD in Western populations, these might be rare and may not be associated with susceptibility to CD in Korean patients.