Polymorphism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma is not associated to Japanese ulcerative colitis

Background/Aims: Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has been reported to be impaired in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and activation of PPARγ is proved to inhibit the intestinal inflammation. As Plo12Ala polymorphism in codon 12 of the PPARγ gene may decrease the promoter activity, we investigated the influences of PPARγ polymorphism on the risk of UC in Japanese population. Methodology: The study recruited 118 patients with UC and 142 health controls. Plo12Ala polymorphisms of PPARγ were detected by polymerase chain reaction based restricted fragment length polymorphism. Results: The frequency of Pro/Alo heterozygotes of PPARγ gene in UC and control group was 4.2% and 4.9%, respectively. No significant difference was found between UC and control group (P=1.00, Fisher's exact test). Plo12Ala genotype of PPARγ did not show significant association with UC risk (OR=0.85, 95%CI=0.26-2.76). Conclusions: Our research suggests that Plo12Ala polymorphism of PPARγ may not be associated with the risk of developing ulcerative colitis in Japanese population.