The distribution of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Changsha

Objective To investigate the genetic predisposing factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by studying the distribution of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms in patients with COPD in Changsha. Methods Totally 120 COPD patients and 120 volunteers were enrolled in the study. Polymorphisms of VDR genes including Apa I and Bsm I were detected with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragments length polymorphism (RFLP). Results There existed statistical difference in polymorphism of Apa I gene and frequency of distribution on its allele between two groups (P 0.05). Conclusions COPD is associated with the polymorphism of VDR-Apa I. There may be no relationship on VDR-Bsm I between two groups. Key words: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive/GE; Receptors, calcitriol/GE; Polymorphism, single nucleotide