Association of human leukocyte antigen groups with oral mucositis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation
Abstract Background: Oral mucositis (OM) after hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may lead to toxicity that impair quality of life. Associations between some diseases and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) groups have been long recognized. A genetic contribution as the association of HLA groups with OM after HSCT, has not been reported to date. We aimed to assess whether an association of HLA phenotype and OM after allogeneic HSCT exists.Methods: This was a prospective observational study in which OM was assessed with clinical questioning and examination. Association of OM with gender, age, HLA phenotypes, diagnosis, conditioning regimen, stem cell source, engraftment times, and complications was investigated.Results: 45 patients were enrolled. All the patients with HLA-B44 phenotype developed mild OM, while all patients with HLA-DR15 phenotype developed severe OM. HLA-A23, HLA-B21, HLA-B44, HLA-DR15, and HLA-DR11 were associated with shorter OM duration. HLA-A26 and HLA-B52 were associated with longer OM duration. Myeloablative conditioning regimen and longer duration of neutropenia were associated with longer OM duration. Regression analysis revealed HLA-B44 and HLA-DR11 as independent factors associated with milder OM.Conclusion: We identified that some HLA alleles correlated with OM severity and duration. These findings may facilitate predicting risk of morbidity and may provide incorporation of individualized preventive and treatment approaches.