Rho kinase gene polymorphism in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome is seen in premature neonates caused by developmental insufficiency of surfactant production. Incidence of RDS increases with low birth weight and low gestational age. Although the major risk factor of RDS is prematurity, there are many other risk factors in premature neonates. these are; gestational age, birth weight, male gender, asphyxia and genetic factors. Rho/rho kinase pathway plays mechanosensory role in development of lungs. While ROCK2 has major role in development of gase exchange in distal lung compartments. The purpose of this studies; to determine the role of Rho-kinase gene polymorphism in development of RDS with analyzing the Rho-kinase gene polymorphism in preterm neonates < 37 weeks with RDS and control preterm neonates <37 weeks and comparing the study and control group from the point of clinical characteristics and distribution of Rho-kinase gene polymorphism. In 2012-2013, 193 premature neonates with RDS and 186 healthy premature neonates in neonatal intensive care unit are included to this study. Rho kinase gene polymorphism was studied from the blood samples taken from these groups with polymerase chain reaction method (PCR). In our study, the frequency and distribution of ROCK1, ROCK2 and RhoA gene polymorphisms are significantly increased in preterm neonates with RDS compared with healthy control group. These findings show that ROCK gene may have a role in pathogenesis of RDS. Key Words: Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Rho kinaz, ROCK1, ROCK2 ve RhoA