Involvement of Interferon-γ+874A/T Polymorphism in the Pathogenesis of and Therapeutic Response to Immune Thrombocytopenia

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disease characterized by symptoms of thrombocytopenia and bleeding due to production of autoantibodies against platelets. Recently, the occurrence of polymorphisms has been identified as one of the main causes of disease onset. Methods: To conduct this study, we recruited 140 patients and control individuals with no history of platelet loss. After collection of specimens, the prevalence of interferon-gamma polymorphism was evaluated using the allele-specific oligonucleotide-polymerase chain reaction (ASO-PCR) technique and confirmed by sequencing techniques. Results: The results showed that the frequency of the AA genotype was higher in the control group, compared with patients with ITP; however, in the acute and chronic groups, the frequency of the AT genotype was higher than that of the AA genotype. We also discovered that there was no significant correlation between platelet counts before and after treatment, nor in its related parameters with interferon (IFN)-gamma polymorphism. Conclusion: rs2430561 does not seem to have any role in ITP pathogenesis and treatment response.