TF and TCF4 gene polymorphisms are linked to autism spectrum disorder: a case–control study

Objective Although the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing, appropriate diagnosis and prevention strategies are still lacking. This case–control study was designed to explore the association between ASD and the rs1867503 and rs9951150 polymorphisms of the TF and TCF4 genes, respectively. Methods Ninety-six children with ASD and 118 healthy children were recruited and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was applied for genotyping. Results The frequencies of the mutant allele G were 48% and 44% for the rs1867503 and rs9951150 polymorphisms, respectively. In our analysis, both TF and TCF4 polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of developing ASD. AG heterozygotes (OR = 3.18), GG mutant homozygotes (OR = 2.62), AG + GG combined genotypes (OR = 2.98), and G mutant alleles of TF rs1867503 (OR = 1.94) were associated with a significantly elevated risk of ASD. Likewise, AG heterozygotes (OR = 2.92), GG mutant homozygotes (OR = 2.36), AG + GG combined genotypes (OR = 2.72), and G minor alleles of TCF4 rs9951150 (OR = 1.92) were associated with a significantly elevated risk of ASD. Conclusions Our results indicate that TF rs1867503 and TCF4 rs9951150 polymorphisms may be strongly associated with the development of ASD in Bangladeshi children.