Novel single nucleotide polymorphisms in the distal IL-10 promoter affect IL-10 production and enhance the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus

B. Durães S, C. Cardoso C, Nunes Sarno E, G. Pacheco A, C. F. Lana F, Ozório Moraes M. Association of IL10 Polymorphisms and Leprosy: A Meta-Analysis

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that depends on the interplay of several factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in host immune related genes have been consistently suggested as participants in susceptibility towards disease. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a crucial immunomodulatory cytokine in mycobacterial pathogenesis and especially the -819C>T SNP (rs1800871) has been tested in several case-control studies indicating association with leprosy risk, although a recent consensus estimate is still missing. In this study, we evaluated the association of the -819C>T SNP and leprosy in two new Brazilian family-based populations. Then, we performed meta-analysis for this polymorphism summarizing published studies including these Brazilian family-based groups. Finally, we also retrieved published studies for other distal and proximal IL10 polymorphisms: -3575 T>A (rs1800890), -2849 G>A (rs6703630), -2763 C>A (rs6693899), -1082 G>A (rs1800896) and -592 C>A (rs1800872). Results from meta-analysis supported a significant susceptibility association for the -819T allele, with pooled Odds Ratio of 1.22 (CI = 1.11–1.34) and P-value = 3x10^–5 confirming previous data. This result remained unaltered after inclusion of the Brazilian family-based groups (OR = 1.2, CI = 1.10–1.31, P-value = 2x10^–5). Also, meta-analysis confirmed association of -592 A allele and leprosy outcome (OR = 1.24, CI = 1.03–1.50, P-value = 0.02). In support of this, linkage disequilibrium analysis in 1000 genomes AFR, EUR, ASN and AMR populations pointed to r² = 1.0 between the -592C>A and -819C>T SNPs. We found no evidence of association for the other IL10 polymorphisms analyzed for leprosy outcome. Our results reinforce the role of the -819C>T as a tag SNP (rs1800871) and its association with leprosy susceptibility.

Impact of genetic polymorphisms on paediatric atopic dermatitis

In order to investigate whether polymorphisms of genes encoding some factors of innate and adaptive immunity play a role in the development of, or protection against atopic dermatitis (AD) and condition its severity, we genotyped 33 candidate genes and 47 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using Custom TaqMan Array Microfluidic Cards and an ABI 7900HT analyser (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The study involved 104 children with AD (29 with mild-to-moderate and 75 with severe disease; 42 girls; mean age ± SD, 5.8 ± 3.3 years) and 119 healthy controls (49 girls; mean age, 4.8 ± 3.0 years). IL10-rs1800872T, TG and MBL2-rs500737AG were all significantly more frequent among the children with AD ( P = 0.015, P = 0.004 and P = 0.030), whereas IL10-rs1800896C and TC were more frequent in those without AD ( P = 0.028 and P = 0.032). The VEGFA-rs2146326A and CTLA4-rs3087243AG SNPs were significantly more frequent in the children with mild/moderate AD than in those with severe AD ( P = 0.048 and P = 0.036). IL10-rs1800872T and TG were significantly more frequent in the children with AD and other allergic diseases than in the controls ( P = 0.014 and P = 0.007), whereas IL10-rs1800896TC and C were more frequent in the controls than in the children with AD and other allergic diseases ( P = 0.0055 and P = 0.0034). These findings show that some of the polymorphisms involved in the immune response are also involved in some aspects of the development and course of AD and, although not conclusive, support the immunological hypothesis of the origin of the inflammatory lesions.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha single nucleotide polymorphisms in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is a multi-system autoimmune disorder of unknown origin. Given the importance of the contribution of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), towards the pathogenesis of JSLE, this study was performed to assess TNFA gene polymorphisms in a case-control study.

METHODS

Fifty nine patients with JSLE were enrolled in this study as case group and compared with healthy control subjects. The frequency of alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of TNFA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions -308 and -238 were evaluated, using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method.

RESULTS

The G allele at position -238 in TNFA promoter region was significantly more frequent in patients with JSLE than in the healthy controls (P value<0.001), while the frequency of A allele at the same position was significantly lower than controls. Furthermore, a significant positive association for G/G genotype at the same position was detected in patients' group compared with control subjects (P value<0.001). The GA haplotype of TNFA (positions -308, -238) was significantly less frequent in case group than in controls (P value<0.001), while GG was the most frequent haplotype for TNFA in the patient group, compared to controls (P value<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Pro-inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms may influence susceptibility to JSLE. Particular TNFA gene variants are associated with JSLE and could be used as a genetic marker for susceptibility to JSLE.

IL10 Variant g.5311A Is Associated with Visceral Leishmaniasis in Indian Population

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a multifactorial disease, where the host genetics play a significant role in determining the disease outcome. The immunological role of anti-inflammatory cytokine, Interleukin 10 (IL10), has been well-documented in parasite infections and considered as a key regulatory cytokine for VL. Although VL patients in India display high level of IL10 in blood serum, no genetic study has been conducted to assess the VL susceptibility / resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the role of IL10 variations in Indian VL; and to estimate the distribution of disease associated allele in diverse Indian populations.

Methodology

All the exons and exon-intron boundaries of IL10 were sequenced in 184 VL patients along with 172 ethnically matched controls from VL endemic region of India.

Result and Discussion

Our analysis revealed four variations; rs1518111 (2195 A>G, intron), rs1554286 (2607 C>T, intron), rs3024496 (4976 T>C, 3’ UTR) and rs3024498 (5311 A>G, 3’ UTR). Of these, a variant g.5311A is significantly associated with VL (χ²=18.87; p =0.00001). In silico approaches have shown that a putative micro RNA binding site (miR-4321) is lost in rs3024498 mRNA. Further, analysis of the above four variations in 1138 individuals from 34 ethnic populations, representing different social and linguistic groups who are inhabited in different geographical regions of India, showed variable frequency. Interestingly, we have found, majority of the tribal populations have low frequency of VL (‘A’ of rs3024498); and high frequency of leprosy (‘T’ of rs1554286), and Behcet’s (‘A’ of rs1518111) associated alleles, whereas these were vice versa in castes. Our findings suggest that majority of tribal populations of India carry the protected / less severe allele against VL, while risk / more severe allele for leprosy and Behcet’s disease. This study has potential implications in counseling and management of VL and other infectious diseases.

Impact of inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms on developing acute graft-versus-host disease in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gene encoding pro- and anti-inflammatory factors have been associated with the occurrence of aGvHD. We retrospectively tested a wide panel of 38 polymorphisms in 19 immunoregulatory genes, aiming to first establish, in a pediatric HSCT setting, which SNPs were significantly associated with the development of aGvHD. A significant association was found between aGvHD grades II–IV and SNPs of donor IL10-1082GG, and Fas-670CC + CT and recipient IL18-607 TT + TG genotype. aGvHD grades III-IV resulted associated with donor IL10-1082GG, Fas-670CC + CT, and TLR4-3612TT as well as the use of peripheral CD34+ cells as stem cell source. The multivariate analysis confirmed the association between donor IL10-1082GG and Fas-670CC + CT and aGvHD grades II–IV and between donor IL10-1082GG and TLR4-3612TT and aGvHD grades III-IV. In conclusion we found an association between IL10, FAS, and TLR4 in the donor and IL18 in the recipient and an increased risk of developing aGvHD in transplanted children. Knowledge of the SNPs of cytokine genes associated with aGvHD represents a useful tool for an integrated pretransplantation risk assessment and could guide the physicians to an optimal and more accurate HSCT planning.

Polymorphisms of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene associated with malignancy in female reproductive system

Association of three polymorphisms (1082G/A, 819C/T, and 592C/A) of the promotor region of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene with malignancy of female reproductive organs was revealed by SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) method in ethnic groups of Adygei Republic. Breast cancer, cervical cancer, and cancer of the uterine corpus are associated with allele 592A (р=0.042) in Circassians and with polymorphism 819T in Russians (р=0.046). Irrespective of the ethnicity, allele 819T was signifi cantly more often (р<0.05) detected in prevalent forms of breast cancer involving regional lymph nodes. 1082G polymorphism is associated with low-differentiated adenocarcinoma. In women of Adygei Republic, ATA/GCA gaplotypes are associated with high risk factors for breast cancer.

Genetic variation in the promoter region of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in perinatal HIV transmission from Mumbai, India

Various host factors such as cytokines and HLA, regulate the immune system and influence HIV transmission to infants exposed to HIV-1 through their mothers. Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) is a strong pro-inflammatory mediator and thought to influence vulnerability to HIV infection (and/or) transmission. Polymorphisms in regulatory regions are known to govern the production of this cytokine. However, the association of these variations in perinatal HIV transmission is yet to be established. Present study aimed to evaluate if polymorphisms in promoter region of TNF-α gene is associated with perinatal HIV transmission. With informed consent from parents, infants' blood was collected for HIV screening and SNPs analysis at 2 loci: TNF (rs1800629) and TNF (rs361525) using PCR-SSP method. HIV positive (n = 27) and negative (n = 54) children at the end of 18th month follow up were considered for this study. GG genotype, responsible for low expression of TNF (rs1800629) was significantly (p = 0.005) higher in uninfected children, while higher GA genotype frequency was observed in infected children. The 'G' allele frequency was significantly higher in negative children (p = 0.016). We conclude that genotypic variants of TNF (rs1800629) are a likely contributor to perinatal HIV transmission. This provides new insights in markers of differential susceptibility to perinatal HIV transmission.

The dual nature of interleukin-10 in pemphigus vulgaris

The immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays beneficial but also potentially detrimental roles in inflammation, infection, and autoimmunity. Recent studies suggest a regulatory role for IL-10-expressing B cells in the autoimmune blistering disease pemphigus vulgaris. Here we review the studies on IL-10 in pemphigus vulgaris and discuss the potential pathophysiological significance of these findings in comparison to prior studies of IL-10 in other human conditions. A better understanding of the complex roles of IL-10 in immune regulation may improve our understanding of pemphigus pathogenesis and treatment.

Soluble fas and the -670 polymorphism of fas in lupus nephritis

This study was performed to clarify the role of soluble Fas (sFas) in lupus nephritis (LN) and establish a potential relationship between LN and the −670 polymorphism of Fas in 67 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including a subset of 24 LN patients with proteinuria. Additionally, a group of 54 healthy subjects (HS) was included. The allelic frequency of the −670 polymorphism of Fas was determined using PCR-RFLP analysis, and sFas levels were assessed by ELISA. Additionally, the WT-1 protein level in urine was measured. The Fas receptor was determined in biopsies by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (FISH) and apoptotic features by TUNEL. Results. The −670 Fas polymorphism showed that the G allele was associated with increased SLE susceptibility, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.86. The sFas was significantly higher in LN patients with the G/G genotype, and this subgroup exhibited correlations between the sFas level and proteinuria and increased urinary WT-1 levels. LN group shows increased expression of Fas and apoptotic features. In conclusion, our results indicate that the G allele of the −670 polymorphism of Fas is associated with genetic susceptibility in SLE patients with elevated levels of sFas in LN with proteinuria.

Association between interleukin-10 promoter gene polymorphisms and acute graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an important immunomodulatory cytokine. The association between IL-10 promoter gene polymorphisms and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) risk is established; however, results of these studies remain inconclusive. We performed a meta-analysis to clarify the effects of IL-10 promoter gene polymorphisms on aGVHD risk.

METHODS

The authors searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Two independent authors extracted data, and the effects were estimated from an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses identified sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Finally, a total of 11 studies encompassing 3588 recipients and 3221 donors were included to study IL-10 -1082 G > A, -819 C > T, and -592 C > A polymorphisms. IL-10 -819 CC genotype was associated with an increased aGVHD risk (grade I-IV: OR, 2.722 (95% CI, 1.360-5.450); grade II-IV: OR, 2.265 (95% CI, 1.015-5.053)). Furthermore, patients who received grafts from donors with an IL-10 -819 CC genotype experienced more frequent grade I-IV aGVHD (OR, 2.306 (95% CI, 1.168-4.551)). Recipients with IL-10 -592 CC genotypes were at increased risk for grade II-IV aGVHD (OR, 1.999 (95% CI, 1.230-3.250)). Together, this meta-analysis found that IL-10 -819 CC and -592 CC polymorphisms increased aGVHD risk.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found the evidence that the IL-10 -819 CC and -592 CC genotypes in both recipients and donors increased the risk of aGVHD in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. These results contribute towards improving patient outcome through insight and rationale for individualized treatment strategies considering genetic determinants.

IL-10 function, regulation, and in bacterial keratitis

The immune system protects the host from pathogenic microbes, but tight regulation of the evoked response is requisite to limit bystander damage. The interleukin (IL)-10 family of cytokines, composed of 9 members: IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, IL-26, and 3 distantly related members, IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29, plays a central role in this regulation. IL-10 family cytokines emerged before the adaptive immune response and elicit diverse host defense mechanisms, especially from epithelial cells during an infection. IL-10 family cytokines are also essential for maintenance and integrity of tissue epithelial layers. These cytokines promote innate immune responses from tissue epithelia that limit the damage caused by both viral and bacterial infections. They also facilitate tissue healing after infection/inflammation. In this regard, IL-10 suppresses pro-inflammatory responses, limiting tissue disruption resulting from an inflammatory response. Thus, a central functional theme of IL-10 family cytokines is their role in tissue protection. This review focuses on IL-10, the founding member of this family of cytokines, and integrates recent data on the function and regulation of IL-10 during bacterial infections. Emphasis is placed on the role of IL-10 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis and the subsequent infectious/inflammatory processes evoked.

Analysis of interleukin-10 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a Malaysian population

We evaluated the association of two IL10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1800896 and rs1800871) with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk in the three major races of the Malaysian population (Malay, Chinese and Indian; 317 cases and 330 controls). Our initial screening demonstrated that rs1800871 but not rs1800896 was significantly associated with increased NHL risk in Malays (pMalay-Rec = 0.007) and Chinese only (pChinese-Rec = 0.039). Subsequent combined analysis of the Malay and Chinese revealed significant association of rs1800871 with all (ALL) NHL subtypes (pMeta-ALL-NHL-Rec = 0.001), ALL B-cell subtypes (pMeta-ALL-B-cell-Rec = 0.003), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype (pMeta-DLBCL-Rec = 0.002) and ALL T-cell subtypes (pMeta-ALL-T-cell-Rec = 0.031). SNP rs1800896 showed increased risk only in follicular lymphoma (FL) (pMeta-FL-Dom = 0.0004). We also detected a male-specific association of rs1800871 with increased NHL risk (pMeta-Male-ALL-NHL-Rec = 0.006) in the combined analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the association of IL10 promoter SNPs with NHL susceptibility in the three major races of Malaysia.

Interleukin-1beta -511T>C genetic variant contributes to recurrent pregnancy loss risk and peripheral natural killer cell proportion

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether interleukin gene polymorphisms are risk factors for idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Korean women.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

Hospital-based study.

PATIENT(S)

A cohort of 385 idiopathic RPL patients and 232 controls with Korean ethnicity.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Genotyping was assessed with a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. We examined polymorphisms in three interleukin (IL) genes: IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10.

RESULT(S)

The IL-1β -511T>C polymorphism was associated with RPL (-511TT vs. -511CC: adjusted odds ratio 1.826; 95% confidence interval 1.130-2.953). Allelic gene-gene interaction analysis revealed that the T/B2/G (IL-1β/IL-4/IL-10) allele combination was only detected in the RPL group (adjusted odds ratio 20.046; 95% confidence interval 1.188-338.204). The proportion of peripheral natural killer cells was higher in patients with the IL-1β -511C allele compared with the -511T allele.

CONCLUSION(S)

According to these results, IL-1β -511T>C may be a predisposing factor to RPL susceptibility. However, the mechanism underlying the function of IL-1β -511T>C in RPL remains to be determined, and further studies are needed to improve understanding of the roles of IL-1β -511T>C, using a larger and more heterogeneous cohort.

Effects of interleukin-10 polymorphisms (rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872) on breast cancer risk: evidence from an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The associations between Interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms and breast cancer (BC) risk are inconsistent. This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between IL-10 polymorphisms (rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872) and BC risk.

METHODS

Databases, including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Embase, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, were searched to find relevant studies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of associations.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies (4743 cancer cases and 5120 case-free controls) were eligible for meta-analysis. There were nine studies with 1851 cases and 1910 controls for rs1800896, six studies with 1034 cases and 1173 controls for rs1800871, and seven studies with 3637 cases and 3391 controls for rs1800872. Meta-analysis showed that rs1800896 and rs1800871 polymorphisms had no association with BC risk (for rs1800896: OR=1.060, 95% CI=0.785-1.432 in the dominant model, and OR=1.152, 95% CI=0.958-1.386 in the recessive model; for rs1800871: OR=0.952, 95% CI=0.859-1.056 in the dominant model, and OR=0.892, 95% CI=0.741-1.072 in the recessive model). However, rs1800872 polymorphism has association with BC risk based on the recessive model (OR=0.80, 95% CI=0.73-0.88). In the stratified analysis, when analyzed by the recessive model (CC vs. AA+AC), the ORs were 0.75 (95% CI=0.68-0.83) (p<0.00001) among Caucasians and 1.17 (95% CI=0.88-1.55) (p=0.27) among Asians. These results suggested that the CC homozygote has a 25% decreased risk of BC compared with those individuals with AA and AC genotypes in Caucasians.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed that IL-10 rs1800896 and rs1800871 polymorphisms had no association with BC risk, while rs1800872 polymorphism had a decreased risk of BC in Caucasians.

Lack of association between the haplotype GCC/ATA polymorphism in the IL-10 promoter and SLE risk: evidence from a meta-analysis

Numerous studies have investigated the association between the interleukin (IL)-10 promoter haplotype GCC/ATA (at the - 1082, - 819 and - 592 positions of the IL-10 gene) polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk, but the results were inconsistent. We performed the current meta-analysis to assess precisely the association by comparing the GCC haplotype with the ATA haplotype. A literature search was conducted using Pubmed and Web of Science databases. Twelve studies including 1765 cases and 2444 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The overall odds ratios (total and stratified by ethnicity: Asian or Caucasian) were 1.042 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.893-1.216; p = 0.599), 0.790 (95 % CI 0.528-1.182; p = 0.251), and 1.093 (95 % CI 0.919-1.300; p = 0.317), respectively. The results indicated that the GCC haplotype revealed no statistically significant association with SLE risk; thus, the haplotype GCC/ATA polymorphism of the IL-10 promoter is not likely to be involved in SLE susceptibility.

The association of cytokines with disease activity and damage scores in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of SLE in a genetically homogeneous Caucasian SLE patient population.

METHODS

Serum levels of the following cytokines were determined by ELISA in SLE patients (diagnosed as per ACR diagnostic criteria): IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α. Demographic data, disease activity as per the SLEDAI and damage scores (SLICC) at the 5-year follow-up were calculated.

RESULTS

Enhanced production of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-10 were observed in SLE patients compared with controls. A strong positive correlation was seen between levels of IL-12p70 and IL-10. In addition, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-1 demonstrated a significant relationship with disease activity. Interestingly, elevated levels of IL-10 were observed in SLE patients with CNS involvement while patients with elevated levels of TNF-α were more likely to have renal involvement and sustain damage over the follow-up period. Additionally, the ratio of all cytokines assayed to IL-12p70 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients when compared with controls, with an association seen between damage accrual and the IL-1β/IL-12p70 ratio (r = 0.431, P = 0.003), IL-10/IL-12p70 ratio (r = 0.351, P = 0.018) and TNF-α/IL-12p70 ratio (r = 0.33, P = 0.028). When the respective ratios were analysed for organ-specific disease, significant differences were observed for the IL-1β/IL-12p70 ratio (0.79 vs 0.47, P = 0.036), IL-10/IL-12p70 ratio (4.29 vs 1.87, P = 0.018) and TNF-α/IL-12p70 ratio (7.49 vs 5.21, P = 0.018) with respect to renal involvement.

CONCLUSION

Increased levels of a number of immunomodulatory cytokines relative to IL-12p70 in this Caucasian SLE patient population are seen in patients with renal involvement and are associated with increased accrual of damage at the 5-year follow-up.

Association of interleukin-10 promoter polymorphisms and corresponding plasma levels with susceptibility to laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Interleukin (IL)-10 is critically involved in tumorigenesis. In the present study, the association between the IL-10 −1082/−819/−592 promoter polymorphisms, the plasma IL-10 levels and the risk of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) was investigated in a prospective, case-control study. In total, 146 patients with LSCC, 61 with vocal leukoplakia and 119 healthy controls were genotyped for the IL-10 gene (IL-10 −1082 A/G, −819 T/C and −592 A/C) using pyrosequencing, and their plasma IL-10 levels were analyzed by ELISA. The patients with LSCC had a significantly higher frequency of AC at position −592 and −819 (OR, 1.82 and P=0.024) compared with the control, and a higher frequency of AG at position −1082 (OR, 2.20 and P=0.037). The patients with advanced LSCC had a significantly higher frequency of AG+GG at position −1082 compared with those with early-stage LSCC (OR, 3.13 and P=0.008 vs. OR, 2.06 and P=0.068). The patients with lymph node metastasis had a significantly higher frequency of AG+GG at position −1082 compared with the patients with no lymph node metastasis (OR, 2.97 and P=0.048 vs. OR, 2.23 and P=0.035). In addition, the patients with high frequencies of each genotype polymorphism had high plasma IL-10 concentrations. The present study indicates that the IL-10 −1082/−819/−592 promoter polymorphisms and corresponding high plasma IL-10 concentrations are associated with LSCC, and that variations in genotype distribution and plasma IL-10 concentrations may be associated with the stage and the lymph node metastasis status of LSCC.

Association of extended interleukin-10 promoter haplotypes with disease susceptibility and manifestations in German patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES

Associations of interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotypes with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are unclear. We extended the analysis of established proximal IL-10 promoter haplotypes to a more distal SNP with functional capacity.

METHODS

Two hundred and ten German caucasian SLE patients fulfilling the ACR criteria and 160 ethnically, age and sex matched controls were genotyped for IL-10 -2849 G > A, -1082 A > G, -819 T > C and -592 C > A. Haplotypes were reconstructed via a mathematical model, then allele and haplotype distributions were compared between patients and controls and patients with different disease manifestations.

RESULTS

We detected at -2849, -1082, -819 and -592 the four predominant haplotypes GGCC (22% in patients vs. 29% in controls), AGCC (24% vs. 21%), GACC (30% vs. 25%) and GATA (24% vs. 24%). GGCC was underrepresented in SLE patients, suggesting a protective effect (odds ratio (OR) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48-0.94). AGCC was found significantly more frequently in patients with pathognomonic anti-dsDNA antibodies (26% vs. 15%; OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04-3.75). As compared to patients with glomerulonephritis type V (WHO classification), the presumptive IL-10 high producer allele -2849 G was found significantly more often in patients with GN type III/IV (93% vs. 60%; OR 8.7, 95% CI 1.59-47.15).

CONCLUSION

Our data confirm that the complexity of the IL-10 promoter evokes the need for a meticulous analysis of its haplotypic structure in order to specify disease associations, particularly under functional aspects, thereby shedding light on the pathophysiology of SLE.

Impaired regulation of immune responses in cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease: lessons from genetic association studies

Altered levels of cytokines and acute-phase proteins have been described in the blood and brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Microglia are resident cells of the brain and metabolic upregulation of these cells may play a crucial role in the development of the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease. Studies focusing on gene polymorphisms of molecules with immune regulatory function have demonstrated an association with increased risk of the disease and confirmed the pivotal role of immune responses in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Several gene variants may also influence the rate of the cognitive decline associated with the disease. A definite immune-related gene polymorphism profile may be a feature of a limited group of patients with early onset of the disease and fast clinical deterioration. Only this group of patients may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment.

Association of cytokine and Toll-like receptor gene polymorphisms with severe malaria in three regions of Cameroon

P. falciparum malaria is one of the most widespread and deadliest infectious diseases in children under five years in endemic areas. The disease has been a strong force for evolutionary selection in the human genome, and uncovering the critical human genetic factors that confer resistance to the disease would provide clues to the molecular basis of protective immunity that would be invaluable for vaccine development. We investigated the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on malaria pathology in a case- control study of 1862 individuals from two major ethnic groups in three regions with intense perennial P. falciparum transmission in Cameroon. Twenty nine polymorphisms in cytokine and toll-like receptor (TLR) genes as well as the sickle cell trait (HbS) were assayed on the Sequenom iPLEX platform. Our results confirm the known protective effect of HbS against severe malaria and also reveal a protective effect of SNPs in interleukin-10 (IL10) cerebral malaria and hyperpyrexia. Furthermore, IL17RE rs708567 GA and hHbS rs334 AT individuals were associated with protection from uncomplicated malaria and anaemia respectively in this study. Meanwhile, individuals with the hHbS rs334 TT, IL10 rs3024500 AA, and IL17RD rs6780995 GA genotypes were more susceptible to severe malarial anaemia, cerebral malaria, and hyperpyrexia respectively. Taken together, our results suggest that polymorphisms in some immune response genes may have important implications for the susceptibility to severe malaria in Cameroonians. Moreover using uncomplicated malaria may allow us to identify novel pathways in the early development of the disease.

Associations of IL-10 gene polymorphisms with acute myeloid leukemia in Hunan, China

We investigated the possible association of interleukin-10 (IL-10) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 115 patients and 137 healthy controls. Genetic analysis of IL-10 SNPs at -819 and -592 was carried out with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) approach. The IL-10 mRNA expression of AML patients and controls with different genotype was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Genetic analysis of IL-10 revealed that the -819AA genotype frequencies and the -819A allele frequencies in the AML group were higher than in the controls (59.1% vs 40.9%; 75.6% vs 63.9%, respectively); there were remarkable differences in -819T/C and -592A/C gene distribution (P<0.05) and the TA haploid frequencies were higher in the AML group (75.6% vs 63.9%, P<0.05). IL-10 mRNA expression in incipient AML patients was obvious higher than the non- tumor group and the remission group (7.78?10-3 vs 2.43?10-3, 3.64?10-3, P<0.05).The study suggested that the haploid TA and genotype TA/TA may be associated with AML in Han people in Hunan province.The IL-10 SNPs at -819 and -592 sites were associated with AML and may affect IL-10 mRNA expression in AML patients.

Preferential binding to Elk-1 by SLE-associated IL10 risk allele upregulates IL10 expression

Immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) is elevated in sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) correlating with disease activity. The established association of IL10 with SLE and other autoimmune diseases led us to fine map causal variant(s) and to explore underlying mechanisms. We assessed 19 tag SNPs, covering the IL10 gene cluster including IL19, IL20 and IL24, for association with SLE in 15,533 case and control subjects from four ancestries. The previously reported IL10 variant, rs3024505 located at 1 kb downstream of IL10, exhibited the strongest association signal and was confirmed for association with SLE in European American (EA) (P = 2.7×10⁻⁸, OR = 1.30), but not in non-EA ancestries. SNP imputation conducted in EA dataset identified three additional SLE-associated SNPs tagged by rs3024505 (rs3122605, rs3024493 and rs3024495 located at 9.2 kb upstream, intron 3 and 4 of IL10, respectively), and SLE-risk alleles of these SNPs were dose-dependently associated with elevated levels of IL10 mRNA in PBMCs and circulating IL-10 protein in SLE patients and controls. Using nuclear extracts of peripheral blood cells from SLE patients for electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we identified specific binding of transcription factor Elk-1 to oligodeoxynucleotides containing the risk (G) allele of rs3122605, suggesting rs3122605 as the most likely causal variant regulating IL10 expression. Elk-1 is known to be activated by phosphorylation and nuclear localization to induce transcription. Of interest, phosphorylated Elk-1 (p-Elk-1) detected only in nuclear extracts of SLE PBMCs appeared to increase with disease activity. Co-expression levels of p-Elk-1 and IL-10 were elevated in SLE T, B cells and monocytes, associated with increased disease activity in SLE B cells, and were best downregulated by ERK inhibitor. Taken together, our data suggest that preferential binding of activated Elk-1 to the IL10 rs3122605-G allele upregulates IL10 expression and confers increased risk for SLE in European Americans.

Interleukin 10 (IL10) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) gene polymorphisms in persistent IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate whether interleukin 10 (IL10) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) gene polymorphisms were associated with persistent IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy in 50 Brazilian children. The diagnostic criteria were anaphylaxis triggered by cow's milk or a positive double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge. Tolerance was defined as the absence of a clinical response to a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge or cow's milk exposure.

METHOD

The genomic DNA of the 50 patients and 224 healthy controls (HCs) was used to investigate five IL10 gene polymorphisms (-3575A/T, -2849A/G, -2763A/C, -1082G/A, -592C/A) and one TGFβ1 polymorphism (-509C/T).

RESULTS

Among the five IL10 polymorphisms analyzed, homozygosis for the G allele at the -1082 position was significantly higher in the patients compared with the healthy controls (p=0.027) and in the persistent cow's milk allergy group compared with the healthy controls (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Homozygosis for the G allele at the IL10 -1082G/A polymorphism is associated with the persistent form of cow's milk allergy.

Regulation of adaptive immunity; the role of interleukin-10

Since the discovery of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the 1980s, a large body of work has led to its recognition as a pleiotropic immunomodulatory cytokine that affects both the innate and adaptive immune systems. IL-10 is produced by a wide range of cell types, but for the purposes of this review we shall focus on IL-10 secreted by CD4(+) T cells. Here we describe the importance of IL-10 as a mediator of suppression used by both FoxP3(+) and FoxP3(-) T regulatory cells. Moreover, we discuss the molecular events leading to the induction of IL-10 secretion in T helper cell subsets, where it acts as a pivotal negative feedback mechanism. Finally we discuss how a greater understanding of this principle has allowed for the design of more efficient, antigen-specific immunotherapy strategies to exploit this natural phenomenon clinically.

Genetic association of interleukin-10 promoter polymorphisms and susceptibility to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a meta-analysis

Published data on the association between interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene polymorphisms and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) risk are inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed, focusing on four major IL-10 gene variants in the promoter region: -3575T/A, -1082A/G, -819C/T and -592C/A. We applied the false discovery rate (FDR) method to adjust for multiple testing. A significant association between IL-10 -3575T/A polymorphism and the risk of DLBCL was observed in the pooled 10 case-control studies (A vs. T: OR=1.16, 95% CI=1.08-1.25, P<0.0001; AA+TA vs. TT: OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.08-1.33, P=0.0009; AA vs. TA+TT: OR=1.25, 95% CI=1.09-1.44, P=0.001). The results indicated that carriers of -1082G allele (-1082GG/GA genotypes) had a nearly 30% increased risk of DLBCL, as compared with carriers of -1082AA genotype (GG+GA vs. AA: OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.08-1.57, P=0.005). When P-values were not adjusted for multiple testing, the risk was significantly decreased among people with -592AA genotype (AA vs. AC+CC: OR=0.63, 95% CI=0.43-0.94, P=0.02), while carriers with -819TT genotype also modestly weakened the DLBCL susceptibility at a marginal level of significance (TT vs. CT+CC: OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.35-0.99, P=0.05). However, these associations were not significant after correction for multiple testing. This meta-analysis suggests that IL-10 -3575A allele confers a greater risk to DLBCL susceptibility, while -1082A/G polymorphism also has significant association with DLBCL risk. These results may help to further clarify the malignancy-risk gene signature of DLBCL, and thus have prognostic and predictive value especially for early-stage DLBCL.

Interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms are associated with freedom from treatment failure for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a lymphoid malignancy characterized by the production of various cytokines possibly involved in immune deregulation. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) serum levels have been associated with clinical outcome in patients with HL. Because host genetic variations are known to alter the expression and function of cytokines and their receptors, we investigated whether genetic variations influence clinical outcome of patients with HL.

METHODS

A total of 301 patients with HL who were treated within randomized trials by the German Hodgkin Study Group were included in this exploratory retrospective study. Gene variations of IL-10 (IL-10(-597AC), rs1800872; IL-10(-824CT), rs1800871; IL-10(-1087AG), rs1800896; IL-10(-3538AT), rs1800890; IL-10(-6208CG), rs10494879; IL-10(-6752AT), rs6676671; IL-10(-7400InDel)), IL-13 (IL-13(-1069CT), rs1800925; IL-13(Q144R), rs20541), and IL-4R (IL-4R(I75V), rs1805010; IL-4R(Q576R), rs1801275) were genotyped.

RESULTS

Inferior freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) was found in patients harboring the IL-10(-597AA), IL-10(-824TT), or the IL-10(-1087AA) genotype. In contrast, the IL-10(-1087G-824C-597C) haplotype present in about 48% of analyzed HL patients is nominally significant for a better FFTF in a Cox-Regression model accounting for stage and treatment. No associations were observed between the other IL-10 gene variations, IL-13(-1069CT), IL-13(Q144R), IL-4R(I75V), IL-4R(Q576R) and the clinical outcome of patients with HL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides further evidence that proximal IL-10 promoter gene variations are associated with clinical course of patients with HL. However, treatment success and survival rates are already at a very high rate, supporting the need to design studies focusing on identification of predictors to reduce the side effects of therapy.

Interleukin 10 Polymorphisms and Cervical Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background

A debate exists about whether interleukin 10 (IL-10) polymorphisms (IL-10−1082G/A and IL-10−592C/A) confer additional risk for cervical cancer. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between IL-10 polymorphisms and cervical cancer risk, we conducted a meta-analysis of all available studies relating the −1082G/A and −592C/A polymorphisms of the IL-10 gene to the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Methods

Eight studies were eligible for IL-10 −1082G/A (1498 cases and 1608 controls), and 5 studies were eligible for IL-10 −592C/A (2396 cases and 1388 controls). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were appropriately derived from fixed-effects or random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed by ethnicity and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the controls.

Results

In the overall analysis, no significant association between the IL-10−1082G/A polymorphism and the risk of cervical cancer was observed. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, IL-10 −1082A allele was associated with decreased cervical cancer susceptibility among whites (A vs G: OR, 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32–0.47). Studies with controls deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed an evident association in dominant model (GA/AA vs GG: OR, 1.73 [95% CI, 1.04–2.89]). On the other hand, with respect to −592C/A polymorphism, significantly elevated cervical cancer risk was found in the overall analysis (A vs C: OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.04–1.31]; AA vs CC: OR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.00–1.84]; CA/AA vs CC: OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.01–1.39]; AA vs CC/CA: OR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.01–1.55]). Stratified analysis indicated that significantly increased risks were also found among Asians in the allelic model (A vs C: OR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.01–1.49]).

Conclusions

Interleukin 10−1082 G/A polymorphism showed no effect on cervical cancer risk in the overall analysis. The genetic polymorphism in IL-10−592C/A is a risk factor for developing cervical cancer, especially for Asians.

Polymorphisms of TNF and IL-10 genes and clinical outcome of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Genetic variations in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were reported to influence susceptibility to and outcome of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Therefore, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in TNF and IL-10 may play a role in the clinical course of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). TNF-308G>A, IL-10-3575T>A, and IL-10-1082A>G seem to be functionally relevant, were genotyped in 292 previously untreated patients with CLL. The control group consisted of 192 randomly selected blood donors. The patients carrying TNF-308GG and IL-10-1082AA genotypes presented a higher 3-year treatment-free survival (56.6 vs. 40.6%, P = 0.05) as well as a 10-year overall survival (OS) rates (92.3 vs. 57.6%, P = 0.005) than those with other TNF-308 and IL-10-1082 genotype combinations. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the Rai stage (P = 0.0002), IGHV mutation status (P = 0.01), TNF-308G>A (P = 0.03), and TNF/IL-10 polymorphism-based risk groups (P = 0.05) to be independent factors predicting OS. When the mutated IGHV patients were analyzed, the homozygotes TNF-308GG and IL-10-1082AA presented a higher 10-year OS rate than those carrying other TNF-308 and IL-10-1082 genotypes (100 vs. 67.7%, P = 0.01). In the unmutated IGHV patients, only the TNF-308G>A polymorphism influenced OS. The genetic variations in TNF and IL-10 genes work as independent predictors of survival and may play a role in the clinical course of CLL. It suggests inherited ability of the host to shift the balance between the Th1 and Th2 response, which in turn might contribute to the pathogenesis and prognosis of B-cell malignancies.

Associations between interleukin-10 polymorphisms and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The study determined whether interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms confer susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

A meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between the IL-10-1082 G/A, -819 C/T, -592 C/A polymorphisms and the haplotype of the IL-10-1082 G/A, -819 C/T, -592 C/A polymorphisms and SLE.

RESULTS

A total of 19 studies involving 2828 SLE patients and 4008 controls were considered in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of the IL-10-1082 G/A polymorphism revealed an association between SLE and the IL-10-1082 G allele (odds ratio [OR] = 1.158, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.051-1.276, p = 0.003). Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the IL-10-1082 G allele and SLE in Europeans (OR=1.160, 95% CI = 1.039-1.296, p = 0.008). Meta-analysis stratified by ethnicity produced an association between the IL-10-819 C allele and SLE in Asians (OR = 1.308, 95% CI = 1.030-1.619, p = 0.027). Meta-analysis of the homozygous GCC/GCC haplotype failed to show a significant association with SLE in Europeans (OR = 1.223, 95% CI=0.981-1.526, p = 0.074). However, meta-analysis of the GCC haplotype revealed a significant association with RA in all study subjects (OR = 1.402, 95% CI = 1.001-1.964, p = 0.049). Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the GCC haplotype and SLE in Europeans (OR = 1.656, 95% CI = 1.087-2.523, p = 0.019), but not in Asians (OR = 1.100, 95% CI = 0.703-1.721, p = 0.677). Meta-analysis of homozygous ATA/ATA haplotype failed to show a significant association with SLE in overall and European groups. However, meta-analysis of the ATA haplotype revealed a significant association with SLE in all study subjects (OR = 1.516, 95% CI = 1.039-2.213, p = 0.031) and Asians (OR = 2.580, 95% CI = 2.086-3.192, p < 1 × 10(-9)), but not in Europeans (OR = 1.233, 95% CI = 0.816-1.862, p = 0.320).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that the IL-10 polymorphisms confer susceptibility to SLE in Europeans and in Asians.

Interleukin-10-1082A/G polymorphism and inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility: a meta-analysis based on 17,585 subjects

A large number of studies have shown that the interleukin-10 (IL-10)-1082A/G polymorphism is implicated in susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the results are inconsistent. We performed this meta-analysis to estimate the association between -1082A/G polymorphism in the IL-10 gene and IBD susceptibility. A total number of 18 case-control studies including 17,585 subjects were identified. No association was found between -1082A/G polymorphism and ulcerative colitis (UC) susceptibility. However, increased risk of Crohn's disease (CD) was associated with -1082A/G polymorphism in the dominant genetic model (GG+GA vs. AA: OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.02-1.46, P=0.028) and the heterozygote comparison (GA vs. AA: OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.05-1.55, P=0.015). The results of this meta-analysis provide evidence for the association between IL-10-1082A/G polymorphism and susceptibility of CD. Due to several limitations in the present study, well-designed epidemiological studies with large sample size among different ethnicities should be performed in the future.

IL-10 -1082 SNP and IL-10 in primary CNS and vitreoretinal lymphomas

OBJECTIVES

Most primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) and primary vitreoretinal lymphomas (PVRLs) are B-cell lymphomas that produce high levels of interleukin (IL)-10, which is linked to rapid disease progression. The IL-10 (-1082) G → A polymorphism (IL-10 SNP) is associated with improved survival in certain non-CNS lymphoma patients. PDCD4 is a tumor suppressor gene and upstream regulator of IL-10. This study examined the correlation between the IL-10 SNP, PDCD4 mRNA expression, and IL-10 expression (at transcript and protein levels) in these lymphoma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-typing at IL-10 (-1082) was performed after microdissecting cytospun PVRL cells from 26 specimens. Vitreal IL-10 and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA. PCNSL cells from 52 paraffin-embedded sections were microdissected and SNP typed on genomic DNA. RT-PCR was performed to analyze expression of IL-10 and PDCD4 mRNA. IL-10 (-1082) SNP typing was performed on blood samples of 96 healthy controls. We measured IL-10 (-1082) SNP expression in 26 PVRLs and 52 PCNSLs and examined its relationship with IL-10 protein and gene expression, respectively.

RESULTS

More PVRL patients expressed one copy of the IL-10 ( -1082 )  G → A SNP with the GA genotype compared to controls. The frequencies of the three genotypes (AA, AG, GG) significantly differed in PVRL versus controls and in PCNSL versus controls. In PVRLs, the vitreal IL-10/IL-6 ratio was higher in IL-10 (-1082) AG and IL-10 (-1082) AA patients, compared to IL-10 (-1082) GG patients. IL-10 mRNA expression was higher in IL-10 (-1082) AG and IL-10 (-1082) AA PCNSLs, compared to IL-10 (-1082) GG PCNSLs. No correlation was found between IL-10 and PDCD4 expression levels in 37 PCNSL samples.

CONCLUSIONS

PVRL and PCNSL patients had similar IL-10 (-1082) A allele frequencies, but genotype distributions differed from healthy controls. The findings suggest that the IL-10 (-1082) A allele is a risk factor for higher IL-10 levels in PVRLs and PCNSLs. Higher IL-10 levels have been correlated with more aggressive disease in both PVRLs and PCNSLs, making this finding an important and potentially clinically significant observation.

Immune predictors of complications of the urogenital chlamydial infection leading to infertility

Goal: determination of immune predictors of the development of complications of the urogenital chlamydial infection (UGCI) in women and further disorder of the reproductive function (infertility) due to the past infection. Маterials and methods. 80 women have been examined: 40 patients with uGCI (20 — with UGCI of lower sections of the urogenital tract and 20 — with pelvic UGCI), 20 patients with secondary (tubal) infertility with the previous UGCI in the anamnesis and 20 clinically healthy women. The qualitative and quantitative study of the spectrum of cytokines (IL-2, -4, -6, -8, -10, INF-γ, TNF α and GM-CSF) with the use of the хМАР multiplex technology in blood and the cervical secretion. Results. The research has determined the spectrum of cytokines with a change in their concentration having an effect on the outcome of UGCI and the development of complications causing disorders of the reproductive function in women: these are TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2 inflammatory cytokines аs well as the IL-10 inflammatory cytokine.

Update: Cytokine Dysregulation in Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO)

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) with its most severe form chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a non-bacterial osteitis of yet unknown origin. Secondary to the absence of both high-titer autoantibodies and autoreactive T lymphocytes, and the association with other autoimmune diseases, it was recently reclassified as an autoinflammatory disorder of the musculoskeletal system. Since its etiology is largely unknown, the diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, and treatment is empiric and not always successful. In this paper, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of possible etiopathogenetic mechanisms in CNO.

Genome-wide associated loci influencing interleukin (IL)-10, IL-1Ra, and IL-6 levels in African Americans

Interleukins (ILs) are key mediators of the immune response and inflammatory process. Plasma levels of IL-10, IL-1Ra, and IL-6 are associated with metabolic conditions, show large inter-individual variations, and are under strong genetic control. Therefore, elucidation of the genetic variants that influence levels of these ILs provides useful insights into mechanisms of immune response and pathogenesis of diseases. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of IL-10, IL-1Ra, and IL-6 levels in 707 non-diabetic African Americans using 5,396,780 imputed and directly genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with adjustment for gender, age, and body mass index. IL-10 levels showed genome-wide significant associations (p  < 5 × 10(-8)) with eight SNPs, the most significant of which was rs5743185 in the PMS1 gene (p = 2.30 × 10(-10)). We tested replication of SNPs that showed genome-wide significance in 425 non-diabetic individuals from West Africa, and successfully replicated rs17365948 in the YWHAZ gene (p = 0.02). IL-1Ra levels showed suggestive associations with two SNPs in the ASB3 gene (p = 2.55 × 10(-7)), ten SNPs in the IL-1 gene family (IL1F5, IL1F8, IL1F10, and IL1Ra, p = 1.04 × 10(-6) to 1.75 × 10(-6)), and 23 SNPs near the IL1A gene (p = 1.22 × 10(-6) to 1.63 × 10(-6)). We also successfully replicated rs4251961 (p = 0.009); this SNP was reported to be associated with IL-1Ra levels in a candidate gene study of Europeans. IL-6 levels showed genome-wide significant association with one SNP (RP11-314E23.1; chr6:133397598; p = 8.63 × 10(-9)). To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS on IL-10, IL-1Ra, and IL-6 levels. Follow-up of these findings may provide valuable insight into the pathobiology of IL actions and dysregulations in inflammation and human diseases.

Is interleukin-10 gene polymorphism a predictive marker in HCV infection?

The clinical outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection varies between individuals - from spontaneous viral clearance and persistence without complication, to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Also patterns of response to interferon-based anti-HCV therapy are different from person to person. This diversity may be affected by host genetic factors, including alterations in genes encoding cytokines. Interleukin-10, as an anti-inflammatory cytokine and immune response modulator, may influence on HCV infection susceptibility as well as spontaneous and treatment-induced HCV eradication. Moreover, it is stated that IL-10 has antifibrotic properties and play a role in progression of liver disease. This review summarized studies on interleukin-10 gene polymorphisms (mainly promoter SNPs at positions -1082(G/A), -819(C/T) and -592(C/A)), which may determine IL-10 production, regarding susceptibility to HCV infection, course of HCV-related liver disease (fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, ALT abnormalities), spontaneous viral elimination as well as hepatitis C treatment outcomes. Analysis of hereby summarized studies shows that it is difficult to unambiguously determine the importance of IL-10 polymorphism as a predictor of clinical outcome of hepatitis C and response to anti-HCV therapy before its beginning. Thus, future larger studies need to address these issues. Continuation of studies on interleukin-10 polymorphisms as well as identification of other candidate predictive markers in HCV infection has important practical implications and there is a chance that may contribute to reduce the scale of hepatitis C problem.

Association of IL-10-1082 promoter polymorphism with susceptibility to gastric cancer: evidence from 22 case-control studies

Evidence suggested that interleukin-10 (IL-10) may be involved in the etiology of gastric cancer (GC). However, epidemiological studies on the association between IL-10-1082 promoter polymorphism and GC risk are still ambiguous. To quantitatively summarize the evidence for such a relationship, we performed a meta-analysis. Systemic searches of the PubMed and Medline databases were performed, with the last report up to July 2011. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association. 22 independent studies including 4,289 cases and 5,965 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. Obvious association was found when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (A vs. G: OR = 0.489, 95% CI = 0.335-0.713, P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, we observed significant associations in Asians (A vs. G: OR = 0.651, 95% CI = 0.506-0.838, P = 0.001; AA vs. GG: OR = 0.482, 95% CI = 0.328-0.709, P < 0.001; AA/AG vs. GG: OR = 0.711, 95% CI = 0.527-0.959, P = 0.025; AA vs.

AG/GG

OR = 0.701, 95% CI = 0.520-0.944, P = 0.019) and Caucasians (A vs. G: OR = 0.365, 95% CI = 0.140-0.949, P = 0.039), but not in Latino population. When stratified analysis by control sources, our results indicated that A allele decreased approximately 48% risk among population-based studies (A vs. G: OR = 0.524, 95% CI = 0.374-0.733, P < 0.001). Taken together, this meta-analysis suggests that IL-10-1082 polymorphism is associated with GC risk.

Association of IL-10-promoter genetic variants with the rate of CD4 T-cell loss, IL-10 plasma levels, and breadth of cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte response during chronic HIV-1 infection

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine. IL-10-promoter polymorphisms have been shown to affect human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) clinical outcomes but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

METHODS

We investigated the relationship between IL-10-promoter variants, plasma cytokine levels, immune responses and markers of disease outcome in antiretroviral-naïve HIV-1 chronically infected individuals from South Africa. Two IL-10-promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 451 participants. Baseline plasma levels of select cytokines were measured for 112 individuals. Viral load, CD4(+) T-cell counts and HIV-1-specific interferon-gamma CD8(+) T-cell immune responses were measured at baseline. CD4(+) T-cell counts were measured longitudinally and rates of CD4(+) T-cell decline computed for 300 study subjects.

RESULTS

The minor IL-10-1082G and -592A variants occurred at frequencies of 0.31 and 0.34, respectively. The -592AA genotype associated significantly with attenuated loss of CD4(+) T cells (P = .0496). Individuals possessing -1082GG had significantly higher IL-10 levels compared to -1082AA/AG (P = .0006). The -592AA genotype was associated with greater breadth of virus-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses compared to CC and CA (P = .002 and .004 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-10-promoter variants may influence the rate of HIV-1 disease progression by regulating IL-10 levels and the breadth of CD8(+) T-cell immune responses.

Comparative insights into the regulation of inflammation: levels and predictors of interleukin 6 and interleukin 10 in young adults in the Philippines

Inflammation is a central part of innate immunity, but its role in anti-pathogen defenses has been overshadowed by recent interest in the contribution of inflammation to a wide range of chronic degenerative diseases. Current research on chronic inflammation is conducted primarily in affluent populations with low levels of infectious disease; comparative research in different ecological settings is needed to advance understandings of the causes and consequences of variation in the regulation of inflammation. This article investigates the levels and predictors of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10)-two cytokines important to the regulation of inflammation-in a large, population-based study in the Philippines. Concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 were determined in N = 1,569 healthy young adults (20-22 years) in Metro Cebu, Philippines. IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations were positively correlated, and body mass index and symptoms of infectious disease were both associated with higher concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10. Median concentrations of IL-6 (1.0 pg/mL) and IL-10 (7.56 pg/mL) were substantially lower and higher, respectively, than levels reported for other populations based on a systematic review of prior research. This study contributes to a growing body of research in human ecological immunology, and suggests that there may be substantial population differences in the regulation of inflammation that has implications for the association between inflammation and disease.

The dysregulation of cytokine networks in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with chronic immune activation and tissue damage. Organ damage in SLE results from the deposition of immune complexes and the infiltration of activated T cells into susceptible organs. Cytokines are intimately involved in every step of the SLE pathogenesis. Defective immune regulation and uncontrolled lymphocyte activation, as well as increased antigen presenting cell maturation are all influenced by cytokines. Moreover, expansion of local immune responses as well as tissue infiltration by pathogenic cells is instigated by cytokines. In this review, we describe the main cytokine abnormalities reported in SLE and discuss the mechanisms that drive their aberrant production as well as the pathogenic pathways that their presence promotes.