Mannose-binding lectin genetic analysis: possible protective role of the HYPA haplotype in the development of recurrent urinary tract infections in men

Int J Infect Dis. 2014 Feb:19:100-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2013.10.019. Epub 2013 Dec 7.

Abstract

Factors related to bacterial virulence and/or to the host have been implicated in the pathogenesis of recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI), but in most cases the cause is unknown. Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is an acute phase glycoprotein that exerts immunological functions by binding to the surface of a variety of pathogens. Some human gene variants reduce MBL activity thereby predisposing the host to bacterial and viral infections. The aim of this study was to investigate MBL2 gene variants in relation to rUTI risk. Six MBL gene variants and seven haplotypes were analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing in rUTI patients (n = 83) and in healthy subjects from southern Italy (n = 642). The frequencies of the L allele (-550) and the HYPA haplotype were higher in controls than in patients stratified according to sex (p < 0.05). Our data indicate that the HYPA haplotype in the MBL2 gene could be associated with a minor risk of developing rUTI in males.

Keywords: Haplotype; MBL; Molecular analysis; rUTI.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics*
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genotype
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / genetics*
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Recurrence
  • Risk
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sex Factors
  • Urinary Tract Infections / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • MBL2 protein, human
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin
  • PRPF40A protein, human