[Association between the TaqI polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor gene and lepromatous leprosy in a Mexican population sample].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the association of the vitamin D receptor gene TaqI polymorphism with lepromatous leprosy (LL) in individuals from Sinaloa, Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 740 bp fragment was amplified from the VDR gene in DNA samples of 71 patients with LL and 144 controls in the Hospital General de Culiacán during 2004-2007. Polymorphism was identified through TaqI endonuclease.

RESULTS: A significant increase in the genotype TT of the VDR gene was observed in patients when compared to controls (p = 0.040; OR = 1.82).

CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the association between the TT genotype and susceptibility to LL in this Mexican population.