Genetic variations in the <i>ST18</i> gene and their association with pemphigus vulgaris in Vietnamese patients: insights from a case series

This study explores the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants rs2304365 and rs4074067 in the ST18 gene and their relationship with clinical manifestations of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) in Vietnamese patients. A case series was conducted with PV patients treated from March to October 2023 at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology (Vietnam). Clinical data and patient histories were documented. Blood samples (2 mL) were analyzed for SNP variants rs2304365 and rs4074067 using Sanger sequencing at the Biomedical Research Center, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine. Among 34 patients, two alleles, C and T, were identified in both SNPs. For rs2304365, allele C accounted for 91.2% and T for 8.8%. In rs4074067, allele C constituted 88.2% and T 11.8%. Patients carrying the T allele in rs2304365 exhibited moderate to severe disease. Additionally, the T allele in either SNP was associated with higher Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) scores compared to the C allele. SNP variants rs2304365 and rs4074067 in the ST18 gene may influence disease severity in PV among Vietnamese patients, underscoring the need for further research into their role in personalized treatment strategies.