POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION OF HLA CLASS I AND II MOLECULES WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN IRAQI PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: The etiology and pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis has not yet been elucidated. However, attention has been brought to the belief that a genetic factor plays a crucial role in the development of the disease.Objectives: This study was established to shed light on the possible association of HLA class I and class II antigen with ulcerative colitis.Methods: The study included 105 subjects. It comprised of 35 ulcerative colitis patients and 70 apparently healthy controls. Lymphocytotoxicity assay has been used to assess HLA-typing.Results: Comparison between ulcerative colitis patients and healthy control showed positive significant associations of HLA –B14, B27 and DR52 antigens with patients, however, only B27 maintained a significant P value after adjustment. Meanwhile the frequencies of HLA -B35, B41 and Cw6 were decreased in patients when compared with control group.Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that HLA –B14, B27 and DR52 might play a role in ulcerative colitis susceptibility, while HLA-B35, B41 and Cw6 may confer protective effects against ulcerative colitis.