A study on the variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism of the aggrecan gene in Han Chinese in southern China

Objective To study whether the variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism has been present in the aggrecan gene and its distribution in 133 Han Chinese in southern China. Methods The distribution of the polymorphisms of the aggrecan gene was detected by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 77 male and 56 female Han Chinese aged 18 to 90 yreas. Results Eight tandem repeats of the aggrecan gene in different length were detectable in these 133 subjects. The moderate-length tandem repeats were more common, allele 27 accounting for 48.49%, allele 28 27.44%, and allele 26 12.03%; while the short or long tandem repeats were less, allele13 being 0.4%, allele 22 4.14%, allele 25 4.89%, allele 29 1.13%, and allele 32 1.88%. Conclusion The variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism is present in the aggrecan gene in Han Chinese in southern China. The moderate-length tandem repeats are present more frequently while less short or long tandem repeats occur.