Objective: To study the relationship between donor TNFalpha - 308 (G/A) genotype and recipient acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD).
Methods: TNFalpha - 308 (G/A) and TNFalpha - 308 (G/G) genotypes were analyzed by DHPLC and DNA sequence in twenty-one degree III/IV (III/IV) aGVHD patients, and twenty-eight degree 0/I (0/I) aGVHD patients. Serum TNFalpha levels were determined by ELISA.
Results: The frequency of TNFalpha - 308 (G/A) genotype was significantly higher in III/IV aGVHD patients than in 0/I aGVHD patients (8/21 vs 1/28) (P < 0.05); and so did for higher serum TNFalpha levels (P < 0.05). TNFalpha levels were higher in III/IV aGVHD patients than in 0/I aGVHD patients in TNFalpha - 308 (G/G) patients (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: TNFalpha - 308 (G/A) is positively related to serum TNFalpha levels and most likely contributes to high risk for III/IV aGVHD.