Vitamin D Receptor Gene polymorphisms and Genetic susceptibility to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Background: The severity and complexity of autoimmune disorders is dependent on the genetic capability of individuals. Genetic studies have revealed association between polymorphisms of Vitamin D Receptor gene and individuals’ predisposition to autoimmune diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to develop relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods A total of 144 individuals were studies, including 72 patients presenting with symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease. The amplicon sequencing was performed on samples bearing M13 tail tags. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software to establish correlations of genotypes and alleles among control and diseased individuals. Results The mean concentrations of vitamin D were observed to be critically low in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Of the four SNPs studied, only rs7975232 was found to be significantly related with disease progression. Other three rs1544410, rs731236 and rs2228570 did not show significant correlation in the individuals studied. Conclusion Altered VDR expressions because of various VDR polymorphisms have been shown to exhibit differently among various races and ethnic groups. Furthermore, these VDR polymorphisms also vary among populations in different environmental and genetic predispositions. This study suggests the homozygous CC genotype at rs7975232 to be more as a risk factor for development of Hashimoto’s disease in the population studied.