A promoter mutation which increases transcription of the tumor necrosis factor a gene is not associated with preterm labor

OBJECTIVE: Increased plasma and atnnioiic fluid concenlralions of tumor lucrosis factor a (TNFa) art- seen in patients with pretenn labor. We tested whether a mutation in the promoter region ofTNF a which increases transcription of the gene, is more frequent in a prelerm delivery cohort. STUDY DESIGN: DNA was extracted from whole blood of 374 women delivering <37 weeks estimated gestaiional age. The polymerase chain reaction (I'CR) was used to amplify the promoter region of the TNK a gene. The resulting PC.R produt t was subjected to allele-specitic en/\ malic digestion with Xiol. Fragments were si/e-iraciionaled on a .H% Metaphoi agarose gel stained with ethidinm bromide. Results were analyJ.ed using a \~ contingencv table. RESULTS: No slatisiicalh significant differences were found between women c.elivering pretenn and controls at term. ↓Activity ↑ Activity Allele Allele Delivery <37 wks (n = 374) 0.86 0.14 Delivery at Term (n - 41) 0.85 0.15 Published Frequencies 0.86 0.14 CONCLUSIONS: The freqnencv of this TNF a promoter mutation is not increased in patients deli\ering less than 37 ueeks gestation.