HLA class I polymorphisms in Tunisian patients with otosclerosis

Abstract

Background: Otosclerosis is a common form of hearing impairment among Western-Eurasian adults. The cause of otosclerosis remains unknown. Autoimmune reaction against the otic capsule has been suggested as a possible aetiologic factor in otosclerosis.

Aim: The present study is the first report to evaluate the relationship between class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes (HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-Cw) and genetic susceptibility to otosclerosis in Tunisian patients.

Subjects and methods: Fifty unrelated Tunisian patients exhibiting clinical otosclerosis were typed for HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-Cw antigens and compared with 100 ethnically-matched healthy controls.

Results: Increased frequencies of HLA-A*03 (OR = 4.16, Pc < 0.043), HLA-B*35 (OR = 2.76, Pc < 0.043) and HLA-Cw*03 (OR = 4.57, Pc < 0.043) antigens were found in the patients with otosclerosis compared with healthy controls. Individuals with HLA-A*30 (OR = 0.25, Pc < 0.043), HLA-B*51 (OR = 0.11, Pc < 0.043), HLA-Cw*16 (OR = 0.08, Pc < 0.043) and Cw*06 (OR = 0.32, Pc < 0.043) antigens have a protective effect against otosclerosis.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the data suggest that a variation in class I HLA antigens could be a genetic factor involved in susceptibility to otosclerosis in the Tunisian population.

Keywords::

• Association study
• genetic susceptibility
• hearing loss
• histocompatibility antigens

Acknowledgement

We thank the patients and controls for their co-operation in the present study.

Declaration of interest: This work was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education Scientific Research and Technology in Tunisia. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.