ABSTRACT
Objective To examine the variation in TLR7 gene copy number of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Han population,and investigate the relationship between TLR7 gene copy number variations and clinical phenotypes of SLE.Methods Determination of gene copy number of TLR7 was achieved by AccuCopyTM multiple gene copy number detection method in 337 cases of Han SLE patients and 338 healthy controls.According to the clinical phenotype stratification,all cases were divided into lupus nephritis and non-lupus nephritis group,the hematological involvement and non-hematological involvement group,anti-Smith antibody positive and negative group.The data were analyzed by non-parametric rank test.Results Based on sex,there was no significant difference in the variations in TLR7 gene copy number between in female SLE patients and female healthy controls (Z=-1.175,P=0.240).There was also no difference in male group (Z=-1.085,P=0.278).Comparing gene copy numbers variation based on the presence or absence of lupus nephritis,hematological involvement,and anti-Smith antibody,there was no statistical significant difference in female SLE patients(Z=-0.888,P=0.375; Z=-1.085,P=0.278; Z=-0.529,P=0.597).There was no difference in variation in male SLE patients,neither (Z=-0.460,P=0.646; Z=-0.340,P=0.733;Z=-0.158,P=0.874).Conclusion The variations in TLR7 gene copy number are not correlated with SLE and clinical phenotypes of SLE in Han population.