The role of TLR4 rs1927911 gene polymorphism and toll-like receptor expression in the formation of allergy and its features in children under conditions of destabilization of the environment

Introduction. Anthropogenic chemical environmental factors modify the immune response, participate in the formation of immunodeficiency in children, and contribute to the occurrence of pathological conditions associated with allergies and autoimmunity.

Purpose of the study. To analyze changes in the immunological and genetic profile in the children population living in an industrial area and suffering from allergic diseases.

Materials and methods. An immunological and genetic examination was carried out on one hundred forty six 7–9 years children, permanently residing in the zone affected by emissions of a large non-ferrous metallurgy enterprise. The number of subpopulations and populations of lymphocytes (CD25, CD284) was determined by the cytofluorometric method. The content of IgE specific to nickel and formaldehyde was studied using the allergosorbent method. TLR4 rs1927911 and GSTP1 rs1695 gene polymorphisms were determined by real-time PCR.

Results. There was obtained data indicating an imbalance of CD284 cell differentiation clusters, general IgE by 1.8 times and tobacco-specific by more than 2 times, as well as IgE specific to nickel and formaldehyde by 1.7 and 1.8 times, respectively. In children with allergy pathology the frequency of the A allele of the TLR4 rs1927911 gene has been established to be significantly increased.

Research limitations. Children living near large industrial sources for at least three years.

Conclusion. Children with allergies living in the zone influenced by emissions from non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises have an increased expression of cell clusters and excessive sensitization to haptens. Allergic manifestations are associated with polymorphism of the detoxification gene GSTP1 and the congenital atopy gene TLR4.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Technologies for Managing Public Health Risks (protocol No. 2 of July 17, 2023). All patients were informed about the purpose of the study, and voluntary informed consent was obtained.

Contribution of the authors:
Zaitseva N.V. — the concept and design of the study, writing a text, editing;
Shirinkina A.S. — the collection and processing of the material, writing a text, editing;
Dolgikh O.V. — the concept and design of the study, writing a text, editing;
Alikina I.N. — collection and processing of the material, writing a text, editing;
Kazakova O.A. — collection and processing of the material, writing a text, editing.
All authors — approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Acknowledgment. The study was not sponsored.

 Received: April 3, 2024 / Accepted: May 30, 2024 / Published: August 29, 2024