Polymorphisms in Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene and Risk of Developing Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis: A Case-Control Study

Background Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is characterized by progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Inflammation is crucial in the host response to silica and it contributes to pulmonary fibrosis. Cyclooxygenase-2 is involved in this process. The association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms in cyclooxygenase-2 gene with pneumoconiosis risk was investigated. Methods An association study was conducted by analyzing two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of cyclooxygenase-2 (rs689466 and rs20417) in a case-control study involving 90 patients and 90 healthy individuals (controls). Genotyping was performed by the TaqMan method. Results The rs689466 AG and GG and rs689466 GC polymorphisms were significantly less frequent in patients than in controls. Cyclooxygenase-2 rs689466 and rs20417 variant genotypes exhibited 21% and 12% decreased CWP risk, respectively. Conclusion Cyclooxygenase-2 rs689466 and rs20417 polymorphisms were associated with CWP risk. (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.