Effect of Fas -670 A/G gene polymorphism on corneal allograft endothelial rejection.

BACKGROUND Human cornea expresses functional Fas-ligand capable of killing Fas+ activated lymphocytes. Fas expression is partly regulated by -670 A/G polymorphism in the promoter region of Fas gene. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to determine the association between Fas-670A/G polymorphism and survival of corneal transplantation. METHODS In 276 graft recipients who mainly underwent penetrating keratoplasty because of keratoconus, bullous keratopathy and corneal opacity, Fas -670 A/G polymorphism was determined by allele specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (ASO-PCR) techniques. RESULTS There was no statistically significant relationship between Fas -670 A/G polymorphism and rejection episode (p=0.35). Moreover, the relationship between this polymorphism and rejection episode outcome (transplant recovery vs failure) was not statistically significant (p=0.13). CONCLUSION The results of the present study show no significant correlation between corneal graft rejection, rejection recovery and Fas -670A/G gene polymorphism.