The ICAM-1 469 T/C gene polymorphism but not 241 G/A is associated with Behçets disease in the Lebanese population.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of the 2 intracellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1) gene polymorphisms [thymidine/cytidine (T/C) 469 and guanosine/adenosine (G/A) 241] in Behçets disease in Lebanon. METHODS We initiated the study in July 2003, and carried out the work in the research laboratory of Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon. We extracted the DNA by glass fiber matrix mini column. We amplified the ICAM gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and tested the PCR products for the presence of the polymorphisms using a restriction enzyme specific for each polymorphism. We analyzed the results by agarose electrophoresis. RESULTS We demonstrated the association of only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (K469) with Behçets disease, while we could not detect the other SNP (G241A) in either controls or patients in the Lebanese population. CONCLUSION The ICAM-1 gene polymorphism 469 T/C, but not 241 G/A, may encode risk for Behçets disease in the Lebanese population.