A single nucleotide polymorphism at chromosome 2q21.3 (LCT-13910C>T) associates with clinical outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) responsible for lactase persistence (LCT-13910C>T) changes intestinal microflora. Considering the influence of bacterial microflora on various immune effects, we tested DNA from 111 recipients/donors and analyzed whether this SNP interferes with survival and the incidence of acute graft-versushost disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell tranplantations (HSCT). Median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer when donors had a CC genotype (not reached after 133 vs 11.1 months, P=.004). Multivariate analysis identified a donor T allele (hazard ratio 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.29-5.33, P=.008) as independent risk factor for death. Surprisingly, recipient genotypes did not influence outcome and there were no differences regarding aGVHD. Transplantation-related mortality (TRM), relapse and pneumonia were significantly less frequent in patients with CC donors. These findings add to the growing list of non-HLA polymorphisms with impact on outcome after allogeneic HSCT. © 2008 by The American Society of Hematology.