Investigating the Frequency of Delta 32 (∆32) Mutation Related to CCR5 Chemokine Receptor in Patients at Gonabad Health Centers, Iran

Chemokine receptor type 5 is recognized as the main co-receptor in HIV infection. Many studies have shown that the deletion of 32-base pairs (bp) of both alleles of CCR5 leads to the reduction or elimination of the expression of this gene in immune cells and the natural resistance to HIV infection. This study aims to determine the frequency of delta 32 mutations in healthy people, referring to the health center of Gonabad City, Iran, to focus on finding new treatment methods for the treatment of HIV. 

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, after obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, blood samples were collected from 293 healthy people along with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anticoagulant. Genomic DNA extraction was carried out by the kit, and the investigation of delta 32 (∆32) mutation of the CCR5 gene was investigated via the polymerase chain reaction method. 

Our results showed that out of 293 people who referred to the health center, 269 people (91.8%) had a healthy gene without mutation (188 bp), 15 people (5.1%) had heterozygous mutations (188 bp and 156 bp), and 9 people (3.07%) had a homozygous mutation on both alleles of CCR5 (156 bp). 

Based on the results, the homozygous mutation rate of Gonabad Region, Iran, in the studied community is higher compared to similar studies, and more epidemiological and molecular studies are needed for better conclusions.