Gene polymorphisms of Interleukin-4 in allergic rhinitis and its association with clinical phenotypes

A Heuristic Approach to Analysis of the Genetic Susceptibility Profile in Patients Affected by Airway Allergies

Allergic respiratory diseases such as asthma might be considered multifactorial diseases, having a complex pathogenesis that involves environmental factors and the activation of a large set of immune response pathways and mechanisms. In addition, variations in genetic background seem to play a central role. The method developed for the analysis of the complexities, as association rule mining, nowadays may be applied to different research areas including genetic and biological complexities such as atopic airway diseases to identify complex genetic or biological markers and enlighten new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. A total of 308 allergic patients and 205 controls were typed for 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytokine and receptors genes involved in type 1 and type 2 inflammatory response (IL-4 rs2243250 C/T, IL-4R rs1801275A/G, IL-6 rs1800795 G/C, IL-10 rs1800872 A/C and rs1800896 A/G, IL-10RB rs2834167A/G, IL-13 rs1800925 C/T, IL-18 rs187238G/C, IFNγ rs 24030561A/T and IFNγR2 rs2834213G/A), the rs2228137C/T of CD23 receptor gene and rs577912C/T and rs564481C/T of Klotho genes, using KASPar SNP genotyping method. Clinical and laboratory data of patients were analyzed by formal statistic tools and by a data-mining technique-market basket analysis-selecting a minimum threshold of 90% of rule confidence. Formal statistical analyses show that IL-6 rs1800795GG, IL-10RB rs2834167G positive genotypes, IL-13 rs1800925CC, CD23 rs2228137TT Klotho rs564481TT, might be risk factors for allergy. Applying the association rule methodology, we identify 10 genotype combination patterns associated with susceptibility to allergies. Together these data necessitate being confirmed in further studies, indicating that the heuristic approach might be a straightforward and useful tool to find predictive and diagnostic molecular patterns that might be also considered potential therapeutic targets in allergy.

IL-4 Predicts the Efficacy of a Candidate Antioxycodone Vaccine and Alters Vaccine-Specific Antibody-Secreting Cell Proliferation in Mice

Opioid use disorders (OUDs) are a public health concern in the United States and worldwide. Current medications for OUDs may trigger side effects and are often heavily regulated. A novel treatment strategy to be used alone or in combination with existing medications is active immunization with antiopioid vaccines, which stimulate production of opioid-specific Abs that bind to the target drug and prevent its distribution to the brain. Although antiopioid vaccines have shown promising preclinical efficacy, prior clinical evaluations of vaccines targeting stimulants indicate that efficacy is limited to a subset of subjects who achieve optimal Ab responses. We have previously reported that depletion of IL-4 with a mAb increased opioid-specific IgG2a and total IgG, and it increased the number of germinal centers and germinal center T follicular helper cells in response to antiopioid vaccines via type I IL-4 signaling. The current study further investigates the mechanisms associated with IL-4-mediated increases in efficacy and whether IL-4 depletion affects specific processes involved in germinal center formation, including affinity maturation, class switching, and plasma cell differentiation in mice. Additionally, results demonstrate that preimmunization production of IL-4 after ex vivo whole blood stimulation predicted in vivo vaccine-induced Ab titers in outbred mice. Such mechanistic studies are critical for rational design of next-generation vaccine formulations, and they support the use of IL-4 as a predictive biomarker in ongoing OUD vaccine clinical studies.

Polymorphisms and AR: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an especially common disorder associated with both environmental and genetic factors, and a lot of researchers have attempted to find polymorphisms which predisposed to the disease. We conducted a meta-analysis of the most frequently researched polymorphisms to find those genes which may be susceptible to AR and then may be of value in diagnosis.

Methods: Pubmed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched to screen out eligible studies focusing on the correlation between polymorphisms and AR susceptibility, and then polymorphisms cited in at least 3 studies were selected.

Results: The 142 papers originally selected cited 78 genes. Twelve genes (coinciding with 23 polymorphisms) were reported in more than three papers. Twenty-three polymorphisms were involved in the meta-analysis. Among the 23 polymorphisms, only 4 were found to be related to the risk of AR: IL-13 rs20541, CTLA-4 rs11571302, IL-4R RS1801275 and ACE (I/D). The remaining 19 of the 23 polymorphisms were not associated with AR.

Conclusion: We found polymorphisms that could be used for AR diagnosing and those that were unrelated to AR. This may be the first step in detecting polymorphic combinations susceptible to AR (IL-13 RS20541, CTLA-4 RS11571302, IL-4R RS1801275 and ACE (I/D). In addition, our results may improve AR diagnosis and contribute to the intensive study of AR.

Atopy as Immune Dysregulation: Offender Genes and Targets

Allergic diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from exaggerated type 2 inflammation. Although typically viewed as polygenic multifactorial disorders caused by the interaction of several genes with the environment, we have come to appreciate that allergic diseases can also be caused by monogenic variants affecting the immune system and the skin epithelial barrier. Through a myriad of genetic association studies and high-throughput sequencing tools, many monogenic and polygenic culprits of allergic diseases have been described. Identifying the genetic causes of atopy has shaped our understanding of how these conditions occur and how they may be treated and even prevented. Precision diagnostic tools and therapies that address the specific molecular pathways implicated in allergic inflammation provide exciting opportunities to improve our care for patients across the field of allergy and immunology. Here, we highlight offender genes implicated in polygenic and monogenic allergic diseases and list targeted therapeutic approaches that address these disrupted pathways.

Frequency distribution of cytokine and associated transcription factor single nucleotide polymorphisms in Zimbabweans: Impact on schistosome infection and cytokine levels

Cytokines mediate T-helper (TH) responses that are crucial for determining the course of infection and disease. The expression of cytokines is regulated by transcription factors (TFs). Here we present the frequencies of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine and TF genes in a Zimbabwean population, and further relate SNPs to susceptibility to schistosomiasis and cytokine levels. Individuals (N = 850) were genotyped for SNPs across the cytokines IL4, IL10, IL13, IL33, and IFNG, and their TFs STAT4, STAT5A/B, STAT6, GATA3, FOXP3, and TBX21 to determine allele frequencies. Circulatory levels of systemic and parasite-specific IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and IFNγ were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Schistosoma haematobium infection was determined by enumerating parasite eggs excreted in urine by microscopy. SNP allele frequencies were related to infection status by case-control analysis and logistic regression, and egg burdens and systemic and parasite-specific cytokine levels by analysis of variance and linear regression. Novel findings were i) IL4 rs2070874*T’s association with protection from schistosomiasis, as carriage of ≥1 allele gave an odds ratio of infection of 0.597 (95% CIs, 0.421–0.848, p = 0.0021) and IFNG rs2069727*G’s association with susceptibility to schistosomiasis as carriage of ≥1 allele gave an odds ratio of infection of 1.692 (1.229–2.33, p = 0.0013). Neither IL4 rs2070874*T nor IFNG rs2069727*G were significantly associated with cytokine levels. This study found TH2-upregulating SNPs were more frequent among the Zimbabwean sample compared to African and European populations, highlighting the value of immunogenetic studies of African populations in the context of infectious diseases and other conditions, including allergic and atopic disease. In addition, the identification of novel infection-associated alleles in both TH1- and TH2-associated genes highlights the role of both in regulating and controlling responses to Schistosoma.

Serum level and clinical significance of vitamin E in pregnant women with allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis is a frequent disorder during pregnancy, while in children it is triggered by significantly lower serum vitamin E level. This research aimed to investigate whether serum vitamin E level exhibited clinical significance in pregnant women with allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

In this study, 37 pregnant women with allergic rhinitis and 35 healthy pregnant women were recruited. Allergic rhinitis severity was analyzed by the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to evaluate serum vitamin E, interleukin (IL), and total IgE levels.

RESULTS

In pregnant women with allergic rhinitis, serum level of vitamin E was significantly lower than in healthy pregnant women. Serum vitamin E level in pregnant women with allergic rhinitis showed a negative correlation with TNSS, IL-13, IL-4, and total IgE levels.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this research has demonstrated that pregnant women with allergic rhinitis showed significantly lower serum level of vitamin E. The decreased vitamin E showed a correlation with the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis in pregnant women.

Association between the genetic variants of base excision repair pathway genes and allergic rhinitis susceptibility in Chinese children

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Association of IL4 rs2070874, FoxP3 rs3761548 Polymorphisms with Keratoconus in Algeria

Purpose

The aim of this case–control study was to determine the impact of environmental factors on the predisposition to develop keratoconus in a sample of Western Algerian population. Subsequently, we were interested in the implication of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) IL4 rs2070874 and FOXP3 rs3761548, previously described as contributing to the occurrence of allergy, in the development of keratoconus.

Methods

The study included 70 unrelated KC cases and 70 controls originating from Western Algeria. DNA genotyping was done using predesigned probe-based allelic discrimination TaqManⓇ assays. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between the cases and controls by Chi-square test and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A significant association between risk factors such as family history, atopy, eye rubbing, and the development of keratoconus was found in our sample. Smoking would provide a protective effect against the pathology. No statistically significant differences were found in the allele and genotype frequencies between cases and controls neither for IL4 rs2070874 nor for FOXP3 rs3761548.

Conclusion

Our study provides, for the first time, a clear demonstration of the absence of association of the allergy-associated IL4 and FOXP3 polymorphisms with KC in a sample from Western Algerian population.

IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism associated with susceptibility to allergic rhinitis: a meta-analysis

Objective: The relationship between IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism and the risk of allergic rhinitis is not clear at present. The present study aims to evaluate the exact association between IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism and susceptibility to allergic rhinitis by a meta-analysis.

Methods: The studies about IL-4 rs2243250 polymorphism associated with susceptibility to allergic rhinitis were searched using PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and China Wanfang databases. The last search time was on March 1, 2021. Data analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software.

Results: Nine documents were enrolled, from which 1709 patients with allergic rhinitis were included. Among them, six genotype frequencies in the control group conformed to Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). The meta-analysis of all included studies showed significant heterogeneity of each gene model. After omitting the studies whose genotype frequency in the control group did not meet the requirements of HWE, no significant heterogeneity was found in each gene model. The meta-analysis results of the control group genotypes in line with the HWE showed statistically significant differences in the pooled odds ratio (OR) of allele model (T vs. C), recessive model (TT vs. TC+CC) and homozygous model (TT vs. CC), which were 1.19 (95%CI: 1.04–1.35), 1.28 (95%CI: 1.06–1.55) and 1.56 (95%CI: 1.13–2.17), respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed in dominant and heterozygous genetic models.

Conclusion: IL-4 rs2243250 single nucleotide polymorphism associated with susceptibility to allergic rhinitis, allele T and genotype TT could increase the risk of allergic rhinitis.

Application of antidepressants in depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The type and quantities of antidepressants are increasing, but the efficacy and safety of first-line and emerging drugs vary between studies. In this article, we estimated the efficacy and safety of first-line and emerging antidepressants (anti-inflammatory drugs and ketamine).

METHOD

ystematic search of EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, psycARTICLES, and psycINFO without language restriction for studies on the depression, depressive symptoms, antidepressants, fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, NSAIDs, anti-cytokine drugs or pioglitazone published before May 1st, 2019. Information on study characteristics, depression or depressive symptoms, antidepressants and the descriptive statistics (including efficacy and safety of antidepressants) was extracted independently by 2 investigators. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Differences by study-level characteristics were estimated using stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression. The response and remission of antidepressants were used as clinical evaluation indicators, and the evaluation criteria were clinical depression scales. OR value of antidepressants as assessed by meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The literature search retrieved 5529 potentially relevant articles of which 49 studies were finally included. We compared the efficacy of antidepressants (seven first-line antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram, sertraline, fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, duloxetine), there kinds of anti-inflammatory drugs(NASIDs, cytokine-inhibitor, pioglitazone) and ketamine) by comparing the OR values.

CONCLUSION

The three drugs with the highest OR value in response were NASID (OR = 3.62(1.58, 8.32)), venlafaxin (OR = 3.50(1.83, 6.70)) and ketamine (OR = 3.28(1.89, 5.68)), while the highest OR value in remission were NASID (OR = 3.17(1.60, 6.29)), ketamine (OR = 2.99(1.58, 5.67)) and venlafaxin (OR = 2.55(1.72, 3.78)). Through reading the literature, we found 69 SNPs associated with depression. Major depression was a debilitating disorder that could ultimately lead to enormous societal and economical challenge [1]. The number of person which affected by depression was up to 16% of the population worldwide. More than 300 million individuals were estimated to suffer depression these days [1,2]. Therefore, it is apparent that safety and effective treatments for depression are necessary. In the 1930 s, the first drug for schizophrenia was discovered. This finding was a landmark for the emerging of biological psychiatry. In the 1950 s, pharmacologists had stumbled upon the antidepressant effect of imipramine. Since then, every 30 years, the use of antidepressants had made a pulsatile leap. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely-prescribed psychiatric drugs for the treatment of depression. However, the efficacy was variable and incomplete: 60%-70% of the patients do not experience remission, while 30%-40% do not show a significant response [3,4]. Nevertheless, SSRIs, SNRIs (selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which can block norepinephrine at the same time) and NaSSAs (norepinephrine and selective serotonin receptor agonist), constituted the first-line clinical drugs. Nearly 30 years after the outbreak of SSRIs, antidepressants have ushered in a new chapter. It has been found that anti-inflammatory drugs could also have the small and moderate antidepressant effect and it's widely discussed [5]. More than 40 anti-inflammatory drugs have been certificated to have antidepressant effects in preclinical and clinical studies [6]. The antidepressant that has been approved for use recently is ketamine. There is no comprehensive comparison of the efficacy of all these drugs. In this review, we tried to estimate the efficacy and safety of first-line antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs and ketamine. On the other hand, with the development of GWAS, SNPs related to depression have been reported, and the corresponding mechanisms have been elaborated, respectively. However, patients with these SNPs have not been treated with individualized drugs according to the mechanisms. We hope to push this process forward through the summary of this article.

METHODS

Search Strategy and Study Eligibility.

Association of IL-4 Polymorphisms with Allergic Rhinitis in Jordanian Population

Background and objectives: Allergic rhinitis has complex patterns of inheritance, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, a common genetic variation in a population, exert a significant role in allergic rhinitis pathology. The current study aimed to investigate the association of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) polymorphisms with allergic rhinitis. Materials and Methods: Our study included 158 patients with allergic rhinitis and 140 healthy controls from Jordan that were genotyped for IL-4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) C-589T (rs2243250) and T-2979G (rs2227284) using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 24 software. Results: The results showed that the allelic frequency of the minor alleles was 0.19 and 0.67 for C-589T (rs2243250) and T-2979G (rs2227284) in the allergic rhinitis patients, respectively, while it was 0.18 for C-589T (rs2243250) and 0.64 T-2979G (rs2227284) in the control group. The homozygous (TT) genotype of C-589T (rs2243250) was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis (p < 0.05), while there was no association of any of T-2979G (rs2227284) genotypes with allergic rhinitis. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that genetic inter-population variation precipitates the differences in the percentages of many diseases among populations, including allergic rhinitis.

The role of interleukin 4 and IL-4RA in intervertebral disc degeneration: investigation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes and a systematic review & meta-analysis of IL-4 expression level

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a multifactorial disease that is sensitive to the balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin 4 (IL-4) in IVDD.Methods: Genomic DNA of peripheral mononuclear cells of 76 IVDD patients and 140 healthy controls were investigated for three SNPs of IL-4 (rs2243248 (-1098G/T), rs2243250 (-590 C/T), rs2070874 (-33 C/T)) and 1 SNP of IL-4RA (rs180275, +1902 A/G) through PCR-SSP method.Results: The 'C' allele frequency of IL-4 rs2243250 was 104 in 76 patients, while it was 149 in 140 controls (OR = 2, p = .001); also this SNP was significantly associated with post-operative pain reduction. The 'C' allele of IL-4 rs2070874 (130 in 76 patients, and 200 in 140 controls, OR = 2.66), and the 'CC' genotype were more frequent among patients (OR = 3.98, p < .001) than controls. 'TTT' haplotype was more common in controls (OR = 0.36, p < .001) and 'TCC' was also more common in patients (OR = 1.75, p = .012). A meta-analysis of previous studies found significantly higher IL-4 levels in disc tissues of IVDD patients, which was not similarly found in blood samples.Conclusion: The immune system plays an important role in IVDD. The extent and progress of the disease vary significantly with IL-4 level. Meanwhile, the rs2070874 and rs2243250 SNPs of IL-4 were significantly associated with IVDD in Iranian patients.

Association analysis of interleukin-23 receptor SNPs and SAPHO syndrome in Chinese people

OBJECTIVE

SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that seriously affects patients' daily lives. Family-based investigations support genetic contributions toward disease susceptibility. The present study evaluated whether the previously reported autoimmune disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have any genetic overlap with SAPHO syndrome.

METHOD

Genomic DNA was obtained from 71 SAPHO patients and 104 healthy controls. The SNP genotypes of each patient were determined with polymerase chain reaction and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies were analyzed with SPSS software.

RESULTS

Three SNP sites (rs10889677 and rs2201841 of interleukin [IL]-23R, and rs2243248 of IL-4) showed significant correlation with the occurrence of SAPHO syndrome in additive and dominant genetic models, while rs7517847 of IL-23R showed substantial correlation with SAPHO in the dominant genetic model. The G allele of rs2243248 (IL-4) was a high risk factor for SAPHO (P = 2.41e-5, odds ratio [OR] =7.79, 95% CI: 2.59-23.3). The haplotype (A-G-C-G-T), comprising 5 SNPs of the IL-23R gene, had a significantly higher frequency in the SAPHO cohort than in the controls (P = .011, OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.12-3.60).

CONCLUSION

Variants rs10889677, rs2201841, and rs7517847 of IL-23R, and variant rs2243248 of IL-4, showed strong associations with SAPHO syndrome. Patients carrying the A-G-C-G-T haplotype of IL-23 are significantly more likely to develop SAPHO syndrome.

Identification of Novel Biomarkers for Drug Hypersensitivity After Sequencing of the Promoter Area in 16 Genes of the Vitamin D Pathway and the High-Affinity IgE Receptor

The prevalence of allergic diseases and drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) during recent years is increasing. Both, allergic diseases and DHRs seem to be related to an interplay between environmental factors and genetic susceptibility. In recent years, a large effort in the elucidation of the genetic mechanisms involved in these disorders has been made, mostly based on case-control studies, and typically focusing on isolated SNPs. These studies provide a limited amount of information, which now can be greatly expanded by the complete coverage that Next Generation Sequencing techniques offer. In this study, we analyzed the promoters of sixteen genes related to the Vitamin D pathway and the high-affinity IgE receptor, including FCER1A, MS4A2, FCER1G, VDR, GC, CYP2R1, CYP27A1, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, RXRA, RXRB, RXRG, IL4, IL4R, IL13, and IL13RA1. The study group was composed of patients with allergic rhinitis plus asthma (AR+A), patients with hypersensitivity to beta-lactams (BLs), to NSAIDs including selective hypersensitivity (SH) and cross-reactivity (CR), and healthy controls without antecedents of atopy or adverse drug reactions. We identified 148 gene variations, 43 of which were novel. Multinomial analyses revealed that three SNPs corresponding to the genes FCER1G (rs36233990 and rs2070901), and GC (rs3733359), displayed significant associations and, therefore, were selected for a combined dataset study in a cohort of 2,476 individuals. The strongest association was found with the promoter FCER1G rs36233990 SNP that alters a transcription factor binding site. This SNP was over-represented among AR+A patients and among patients with IgE-mediated diseases, as compared with control individuals or with the rest of patients in this study. Classification models based on the above-mentioned SNPs were able to predict correct clinical group allocations in patients with DHRs, and patients with IgE-mediated DHRs. Our findings reveal gene promoter SNPs that are significant predictors of drug hypersensitivity, thus reinforcing the hypothesis of a genetic predisposition for these diseases.

Association of REL Polymorphism with Cow's Milk Proteins Allergy in Pediatric Algerian Population

INTRODUCTION

Cow's milk proteins allergy (CMPA) pathogenesis involves complex immunological mechanisms with the participation of several cells and molecules involved in food allergy. The association of polymorphisms in the interleukin 4, Forkhead box P3 and the avian reticuloendotheliosis genes was investigated in an infant population with CMPA of Western Algeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We obtained DNA and clinical data from milk allergic subjects during active phase and from a group of non-atopic control subjects.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that the allele G of the cRel gene intronic polymorphism at +7883 positions was significantly higher among cow's milk proteins allergic patients compared to control subjects.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest a possible association of CMPA with cRel G+7883T polymorphism.

Associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms of PTPN22 and Ctla4 genes with the risk of allergic rhinitis in a Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disorder of the upper airway. Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 encoded by PTPN22 gene and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated 4 encoded by Ctla4 gene are associated with autoimmune diseases.

PURPOSE

This study was performed to evaluate the potential association of PTPN22 and Ctla4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with AR in a Chinese Han population.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed in 783 Chinese AR patients and 811 healthy controls. Three SNPs in PTPN22 gene (rs2488457, rs1310182, and rs3789604) and 6 SNPs in Ctla4 gene (rs3087243, rs231779, rs11571302, rs11571315, rs231725, and rs35219727) were detected using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

For PTPN22 gene, a significantly decreased prevalence of the rs2488457 CC genotype and C allele was found in AR patients. The frequencies of the rs1310182 CC genotype, CT genotype, and C allele were significantly associated with the risk of AR. For Ctla4 gene, a significantly increased prevalence of the rs11571302 AA genotype, CA genotype and A allele was noted in AR patients.

CONCLUSION

SNPs of PTPN22 and Ctla4 genes are significantly associated with the risk of AR in the Chinese Han population.

Genetic variations in interleukin-12B in allergic rhinitis

Interleukin (IL)-12B is a key regulator in the protection against allergic reaction induced by various allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). This study was performed to investigate the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL-12B gene and AR in a Chinese Han population. A total of 543 patients with AR and 600 healthy controls were genotyped for IL-12B/rs6887695, rs10045431, rs3212227, rs3212217, and rs2082412 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism and PCR direct sequencing. The expression of IL-12B mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from normal controls was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-4 in culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The frequencies of the rs3212227 genotype with the CC and C alleles were higher in patients with AR (p c = 8.55 × 10(-4); p c = 4.20 × 10(-4), respectively) than in normal controls. After peptidoglycan stimulation in PBMCs, IL-12 mRNA expression was reduced in healthy carriers of the CC genotype of rs3212227. Additionally, decreased production of IFN-γ was observed in patients having the CC genotype as compared with that in patients having the AC and AA genotypes. In contrast, IL-4 expression was higher in patients with the CC genotype than in patients with the other two genotypes. The IL-12B gene was involved in mediating susceptibility to AR.

Gene polymorphisms of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta in allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a polygenic inflammatory disorder of the upper respiratory airway with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), as two cytokines with pleiotropic effects on both innate and adaptive immunity, play important roles in allergic responses. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the associations of five polymorphisms of IL-10 and TGF-β genes with AR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-eight patients with AR along with 140 healthy volunteers with no history of AR and with the same ethnicity of the patients were recruited in this study. Genotyping was done for three polymorphisms in promoter region of IL-10 gene (rs1800896, rs1800871, rs1800872), and two polymorphisms in the exonic region of TGF-β1 gene (rs1982037, rs1800471) using PCR sequence-specific-primers method.

RESULTS

A allele and AA genotype in rs1800896 of IL-10 and TT genotype in rs1982037 in TGF-β were significantly less frequent in the patients than in controls. While the C allele and the CG genotype in rs1800471 in TGF-β1 were associated with a higher susceptibility to AR. C/C and T/C haplotypes (rs1982037, rs1800471) in TGF-β1 gene and A/C/A, A/T/C and G/C/A haplotypes (rs1800896, rs1800871, rs1800872) in IL-10 gene were found with higher frequencies in patients than controls. Patients with CC genotype in rs1800871 in Il-10 had significantly lower levels of IgE.

CONCLUSION

We found that certain genetic variants in IL-10 and TGF-β polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility to AR as well as some clinical parameters in the patients with AR.

Human Cytokine Genetic Variants Associated With HBsAg Reverse Seroconversion in Rituximab-Treated Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been noted in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-seronegative patients with CD20 B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) undergoing rituximab treatment. Clinically, hepatitis flares are usually associated with the reappearance of HBsAg (reverse seroconversion of HBsAg, HBV-RS). It is unclear whether human genetic factors are related to rituximab-associated HBV reactivation. Unvaccinated HBsAg-seronegative adults (n = 104) with CD20 NHL who had received rituximab-containing therapy without anti-HBV prophylaxis were enrolled. Eighty-nine candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 49 human cytokine genes were chosen and were analyzed using the iPLEX technique. Competing risk regression was used to identify the factors associated with HBV-RS. Participants had a median age of 66.1 years and 56.7% were male (n = 59). The anti-HBs and anti-HBc positivity rates were 82.4% and 94.1%, respectively, among patients for whom data were available (approximately 81%). A mean of 7.14 cycles of rituximab therapy were administered, and a total of 14 (13.4%) patients developed HBV-RS. Nine SNPs showed significant differences in frequency between patients with or without HBV-RS: CD40 rs1883832, IL4 rs2243248 and rs2243263, IL13 rs1295686, IL18 rs243908, IL20 rs1518108, and TNFSF13B rs12428930 and rs12583006. Multivariate analysis showed that ≥6 cycles of rituximab therapy, IL18 rs243908, and the IL4 haplotype rs2243248∼rs2243263 were independently associated with HBV-RS. The IL4 haplotype rs2243248∼rs2243263 was significantly associated with HBV-RS regardless of anti-HBs status. Polymorphisms in human cytokine genes impact the risk of rituximab-associated HBV-RS.

The paradigm of cytokine networks in allergic airway inflammation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cytokines are immunomodulatory proteins important in cell signaling. Complex interactions of innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as structural cells and their cytokines, play crucial roles in regulating allergic airway inflammation. Here, we summarize current knowledge about the potential roles of known and newly identified helper T cells and epithelial cell-derived cytokines [interleukin (IL)-9, IL-17, IL-22, IL-25, and IL-33] in allergic rhinitis and asthma.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although T-helper (Th)2 cells were considered to be the main orchestrators of allergic airway inflammation, recent studies have revealed the potential interaction of other helper T cells and their cytokines in this process. Th17 cells may have a role in allergic rhinitis and asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. An IL-9-producing subset called Th9 cells, Th22 cells which primarily secrete IL-22, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-α, Th25 cells via producing IL-25 and epithelial cell-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL-33, IL-31, and IL-25 are believed to be important for the initiation of allergic reactions and inducing airway inflammation.

SUMMARY

A new paradigm of an interplay of cytokines is important in allergic rhinitis and asthma in orchestrating the allergic inflammatory response. Potential therapeutic applications emerging from the roles of these cytokines are promising, but need further research.

Association of cytokines in individuals sensitive and insensitive to dust mites in a Brazilian population

Introduction

Allergic reaction to dust mites is a relatively common condition among children, triggering cutaneous and respiratory responses that have a great impact on the health of this population. Anaphylactic hypersensitivity is characterized by an exacerbated response involving the production of regulatory cytokines responsible for stimulating the production of IgE antibodies.

Objective

To investigate an association of variants in cytokine genes (IL1A⁻⁸⁸⁹, IL1B^{−511, +3962}, IL1R¹⁹⁷⁰, IL1RA¹¹¹⁰⁰, IL4RA⁺¹⁹⁰², IL12⁻¹¹⁸⁸, IFNG⁺⁸⁷⁴, TGFB1^{codon 10, codon 25}, TNFA^{−308, −238}, IL2^{−330, +166}, IL4^{−1098, −590, −33}, IL6^{−174, nt565}, and IL10^{−1082, −819, −592}) between patients sensitive to dust mites and a control group.

Methods

A total of 254 patients were grouped as atopic and non-atopic according to sensitivity as evaluated by the Prick Test and to cytokine genotyping by the polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) method using the Cytokine Genotyping Kit.

Results

A comparison between individuals allergic to Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Blomia tropicalis and a non-atopic control group showed significant differences between allele and genotype frequencies in the regulatory regions of cytokine genes, with important evidence for IL4⁻⁵⁹⁰ in T/C (10.2% vs. 43.1%, odd ratio [OR] = 0.15, p = 5.2 10⁻⁸, pc = 0.0000011, and 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 0.07–0.32) and T/T genotypes (42.9% vs. 13.8%, OR = 4.69, p = 2.5 10⁻⁶, pc = 0.000055, and 95%CI = 2.42–9.09). Other associations were observed in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1A⁻⁸⁸⁹ (T/T, C, and T) and IL2⁻³³⁰ (G/T and T/T) and the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL4RA⁺¹⁹⁰² (A and G), IL4⁻⁵⁹⁰ (T/C, T/T, C, and T), and IL10⁻⁵⁹² (A/A, C/A, A, and C).

Conclusion

Our results suggest a possible association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes and hypersensitivity to dust mites.

Association of interleukin 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms with allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVES

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a polygenic inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa with an increasing prevalence worldwide. As interleukin 6 (IL-6) seems to be involved in development of allergic disorders, such as allergic rhinitis, this study was performed to evaluate the association of two promotor variants of IL-6 gene in the AR.

METHODS

Ninety eight patients with AR were enrolled in this study. Genotyping was done for two polymorphisms in a promoter region of IL-6 gene (G/C at -174, rs1800795 and G/A at -597, rs1800797), using a PCR sequence-specific-primers method.

RESULTS

Patients homozygous for the G allele of rs1800795 in IL-6 had a 3.35-fold risk of having AR than those with the C allele. AA genotype in rs1800797 of IL-6 was associated with the increased risk of developing AR. G/G haplotype for IL-6 (rs1800795, rs1800797) was significantly higher in the patient group. In some subgroups of patients, there were significant relationships between IgE levels, eosinophil count, eosinophil percentage, nature of sensitivity and persistency of disease and these two variants.

CONCLUSION

We found that two promotor variants in IL-6, especially rs1800795, were predisposing factors for AR with a negative heterosis pattern. These SNPs could also affect the clinical parameters, the nature of sensitivity and persistency of the disease in some subgroups of the patients.

Association between interleukin-27 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVES

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory disorder of the upper airway. Interleukin-27 (IL-27), a novel IL-12 family member, has recently been reported to play a role in some immune-related disorders. This study was performed to evaluate the potential association of IL-27 polymorphisms with AR in a Chinese Han population.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A case-control study was performed in 445 Chinese AR patients and 691 healthy controls. Three SNPs in the IL-27p28 gene, including rs153109, rs17855750 and rs181206, were detected using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (PCR-RFLP).

RESULTS

A significantly increased prevalence of the rs153109 TT genotype and the T allele was found in AR patients, while a decreased prevalence of the CT and CC genotypes and the C allele was found. For rs153109, the TT genotype and the T allele were significantly associated with the risk of AR, but the CT and CC genotypes and the C allele decreased the risk of AR; for rs17855750, the TT genotype and T allele were risk factors for AR, and the GT genotype and G allele provided protection. TTT and TTC haplotypes in the IL-27p28 gene were positively correlated with AR, while CGT, CTC and CTT haplotypes were associated with a significantly decreased risk of AR.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that IL-27p28 polymorphisms rs153109 and rs17855750 are likely involved in AR susceptibility, making them potentially useful genetic biomarkers for AR susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.

Cytokine profiles in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, particularly seasonal allergic rhinitis, is considered a classic Th2-mediated disease, with important contributions to pathology by interleukins 4, 5 and 13. As such, allergic rhinitis is an excellent model for studying allergic inflammation, with findings potentially relevant to the mechanism of lower airways inflammation seen in allergic asthma. However, recent evidence has revealed roles for additional non-Th2 cytokines in asthma, including IL-17 family cytokines and epithelial-derived cytokines. Additionally, putative roles for epithelial-derived cytokines and innate lymphoid cells have been described in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Here, evidence for the involvement of different cytokines and cytokine groups in allergic rhinitis is considered.