Lack of linkage between chromosome 5q23-33 markers and IgE/bronchial hyperreactivity in 67 Scottish families

Background Raised serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) are risk factors for the expression of the asthma phenotype. Previous studies have reported evidence for linkage between these traits and markers on the 5q23-33 cytokine gene cluster.

Objective To test for linkage between total serum IgE/BHR and microsatellite markers which map to the 5q23-33 region in an ethnically distinct cohort of families from Aberdeen, Scotland.

Methods We performed a linkage study between five polymorphic markers (spanning the chromosome 5q23-33 region) and total serum IgE and BHR traits. A cohort of 67 families, who were recruited originally to study the natural history of wheeze, were clinically characterized and genotyped for D5S404, IL4, IRF-1, IL9, D5S436 markers. Linkage analyses were performed using the nonparametric Haseman-Elston algorithm for the quantitative trait log IgE, and the nonparametric LOD score (NPL-score) of the GENE-HUNTER package for the qualitative traits serum IgE and BHR.

Results The results of the nonparametric linkage analysis using either the Haseman-Elston algorithm or NPL-score were consistent and showed no evidence for linkage with IgE. There was also no evidence for linkage between the BHR traits (at cut-off values of PD20FEV(1) < 8 mmol and 16 mmol) and any of the tested five microsatellite markers.

Conclusions This study presents evidence against the presence of a gene with a major effect on total serum IgE or BHR in the 5q23-33 region, in this ethnic group.