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Gene by environment interaction: the -159C/T polymorphism in the promoter region of the CD14 gene modifies the effect of alcohol consumption on serum IgE levels.

Campos J, Gude F, Quinteiro C, Vidal C, Gonzalez-Quintela A

Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clinico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Serum IgE is increased in heavy drinkers. Endotoxin mediates most of the immunological alterations associated with heavy drinking. The -159C/T polymorphism in the promoter region of the gene encoding CD14 (an endotoxin receptor) is associated with serum IgE levels in different populations. AIM: To investigate the possible interaction between alcohol intake and the -159C/T polymorphism in the promoter region of the CD14 gene for serum IgE levels. METHODS: A total of 415 individuals (51.6% males, median age 50 years, range 18-92 years) were studied. A total of 140 individuals were alcohol abstainers, 112 were moderate drinkers (1-280 g/week), and 163 were heavy drinkers (>280 g/week). Main determinations included the CD14/-159C/T genotype, a panel of skin prick tests, total serum IgE, and specific serum IgE against common aeroallergens (Phadiatop test). RESULTS: Heavy drinking was associated with increased total serum IgE values and with positive specific serum IgE to common aeroallergens, but the association was stronger in carriers of the CD14/-159C allele (either CC homozygotes or CT heterozygotes) than in CD14/-159TT homozygotes. Both additive and multiplicative interactions between heavy drinking and the CD14/-159C allele for total and specific serum IgE values was still present after adjusting for potential confounders. Neither alcohol consumption nor the CD14/-159 genotype was associated with skin prick test positivity. CONCLUSIONS: The CD14/-159C/T polymorphism modifies the effect of alcohol consumption on serum IgE levels.

Published 25 January 2006 in Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 30(1): 7-14.
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