P2X7 receptor in spinal tuberculosis: Gene polymorphisms and protein levels in Chinese Han population

• Published in: Infection, genetics and evolution genetics and evolution, 2018-01, Vol.57, p.138-144
• Main Authors: Zhou, Ying, Tan, Chun-yan, Mo, Zhi-jiang, Gao, Qi-le, He, Dan, Li, Jiong, Huang, Rong-fu, Li, Yan-bing, Guo, Chao-feng, Guo, Qiang, Wang, Long-jie, Yang, Guan-teng, Zhang, Hong-qi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: P2X7 receptor; Polymorphism; Spinal tuberculosis; Susceptibility
• ISSN: 1567-1348; 1567-7257
• DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.11.020

Spinal tuberculosis (TB) accounts for 1%–5% of all TB infections. Host genetic variation influences susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) expressed on cells has been identified as a regulatory molecule in cell death/apoptosis, killing of intercellular pathogens, and bone turnover. This study investigated the P2X7 gene polymorphisms and protein levels in spinal TB. P2X7 gene -762C>T and 489C>T polymorphisms were genotyped. The expression of P2X7R in bone or intervertebral disc (ID) tissues was analyzed by Western blot assay. The -762C>T and 489C>T polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to spinal TB. Having the -762CC genotype and -762C allele increased the risk of developing spinal TB (CC vs. TT: P=0.031, OR [95%CI]=1.865 [1.053–3.304]; C vs. T: P=0.028, OR [95%CI]=1.355 [1.034–1.775]). The presence of the 489T allele was associated with an increased risk of developing spinal TB (TT vs. CC: P=0.004, OR [95%CI]=2.248 [1.283–3.939]; CT vs. CC: P=0.044, OR [95%CI]=1.755 [1.011–3.047]; T vs. C: P=0.004, OR [95%CI]=1.482 [1.134–1.936]; TT+CT vs. CC: P=0.010, OR [95%CI]=1.967 [1.171–3.304]; TT vs. CT+CC: P=0.037, OR [95%CI]=1.489 [1.023–2.167]). The expression of P2X7R in TB-induced bone lesions increased significantly among spinal TB patients (t=0.011). Carrying the P2X7 -762CC genotype and 489T allele is associated with an increased risk of developing spinal TB in a Southern Chinese Han population. •P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays an important role in cell death/apoptosis, killing of intercellular pathogens, and bone turnover.•P2X7R contributes to the progression of spinal TB.•An increased expression of P2X7R has been found in TB-induced bone lesions from spinal TB patients.•-762C>T and 489C>T polymorphisms in the P2X7 gene were correlated with susceptibility to spinal TB.