The Evaluation of the Genetic Polymorphisms of TERT (rs2736100) and MUC5B (rs35705950) in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrotic patients

Background: Polymorphisms of the TERT and MUC5B genes have been consistently associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in recent genome-wide genetic studies. In Iraq, we did not find research on the role of these polymorphisms in respiratory disorders, so we conducted this study to evaluate the genetic polymorphisms of TERT (rs2736100) and MUC5B (rs35705950) in IPF patients in Iraq. Method: The current study was a case-control study that included 70 patients who were diagnosed with IPF, in addition to, 70 healthy control groups who had no history or clinical evidence of IPF or asthma. blood samples from participants were obtained for DNA extraction, and T-ARMS-PCR was used to determine genetic polymorphisms of TERT (rs2736100) and MUC5B (rs35705950). Result: Current study showed that the mutant/minor homogenous genotype AA and allele A of TERT (rs2736100) appeared at a higher rate in patients (47% and 87% respectively) compared to control (38.5% and 53% respectively), as this indicator appeared as an effective factor (EF = 0.139 and 0.242 respectively), while the wild/major homogenous genotype CC and allele C were appeared in control at a rate of 38.5% and 50% respectively and in patients at rate 23% and 50% respectively. The results of MUC5B (rs35705950) G/T polymorphism showed that the mutant/minor TT genotype and T allele were associated with the occurrence of the disease (EF = 0.177 and 0.192 respectively) while the wild /major GG genotype and G allele appeared as a protective factor (PF= 0.243 and 0.375 respectively) for the control group. Moreover, most of the smoking patients were carriers of the mutant homogenous genotypes of TERT (rs2736100) and MUC5B (rs35705950). Conclusion: TERT (rs2736100) and MUC5B (rs35705950) polymorphisms are significantly associated with IPF, especially among smokers patients.