The IL-16 gene polymorphisms and the risk of the systemic lupus erythematosus

Genetic Association of Interleukin 16 Gene Polymorphisms (rs11556218 & rs4778889) with Type 1 Diabetes in Egyptian Children: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a serious chronic autoimmune condition. Even though the underlying reason for the onset of T1D is unknown, due to their effector and regulatory roles in immune responses, cytokines are essential in developing autoimmune disorders. Interleukin (IL)16 is an immunomodulatory cytokine implicated in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to examine the association of IL16 gene polymorphisms, rs11556218 T > G and rs4778889 T > C, with the risk of T1D in Egyptian children.

METHODS

Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay, we analyzed rs11556218 T > G and rs4778889 T > C polymorphisms of the IL16 gene in 100 T1D subjects and 93 controls.

RESULTS

Rs11556218 T > G polymorphism of the IL16 gene was not associated with the risk of developing T1D. Analysis of IL16 gene rs4778889 T > C showed that the TT genotype had a considerably higher risk of T1D than the TC genotype [OR = 2.195 (1.205-3.999)]. In comparison to patients with the C allele [OR = 0.6914 (0.38-1.2569)], patients with the T allele [OR = 1.45 (0.7956-2.6296)] were notably more likely to have T1D. A significant decrease was found in the frequency of GT (OR = 0.43, p = .03) and TC (OR = 0.32, p = .011) haplotypes of IL16 gene rs11556218 T > G and rs4778889 T > C polymorphisms in T1D patients compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

IL16 gene rs4778889 T > C polymorphism might be associated with susceptibility to T1D. Egyptians with TT genotypes are more likely to develop T1D. However, GT and TC haplotypes of IL16 gene rs11556218 T > G and rs4778889 T > C polymorphisms highlight their protective role againstT1D disease.

Interleukin-16 genetic polymorphisms in Guangxi Chinese with hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Our previous study has reported that interleukin-16 (IL-16) genetic polymorphisms are significantly related to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatitis B virus-related (HBV-related) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As CHB, liver cirrhosis (LC), and HCC are development processes, this study aimed to determine genetic correlation of IL-16 polymorphisms with HBV-related LC in a Chinese population.

METHODS

IL-16 gene rs11556218, rs4072111, and rs4778889 polymorphism in 129 patients with HBV-related LC and 168 healthy individuals were genotyped via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). PCR-RFLP results were verified by DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

The allelic and genotypic distributions of IL-16 rs11556218, rs4072111, and rs4778889 polymorphisms in HBV-related LC patients showed no significant difference from those in healthy controls. Furthermore, no relationship was observed between the haplotype distribution and susceptibility to HBV-related LC.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provided the first evidence that the IL-16 genetic polymorphisms may not be associated with HBV-related LC risk.

Association of a miRNA-binding site polymorphism in IL-16 gene with disease risk and clinical characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

/objectives. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at the 3'-UTR region of the target genes of microRNAs (miRNAs) can dysregulate their expression via disrupting the binding site of miRNAs. Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the current study, we assessed the possible association between rs1131445 polymorphism in IL-16 gene with risk and clinical characteristics of RA and SLE in the Iranian population.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 120 patients with RA, 120 patients with SLE, and 120 unrelated healthy subjects were collected to estimate rs1131445 (T > C) polymorphism in IL-16 gene using real-time PCR high-resolution melting (HRM) method.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated considerable associations between TC genotype and C allele of rs1131445 with enhanced risk of RA (OR_{for TC genotype} = 3.01; 95%CI [1.667-5.526], P < 0.001; OR_{for C allele} = 1.96; 95%CI [1.314-2.941], P < 0.001). Besides, there was a marginal association between CC genotype and increased risk of RA (P: 0.031). However, there was an insignificant correlation between genotypes and allele frequencies of rs1131445 with incidence risk of SLE (P > 0.05). Moreover, stratification analysis indicated that the C allele in rs1131445 was linked with disease activity-associated laboratory parameters such as CRP and ESR in both RA and SLE patients, as well as the higher incidence of neurological symptoms in SLE subjects (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results proposed a significant association between IL-16 polymorphism and augmented risk of RA and clinical characteristics of RA and SLE.

Interleukin-16 rs4072111 Polymorphism is Associated with the Risk of Peri-Implantitis in the Chinese Population

Purpose

Peri-implantitis (PI) is a major contributor to dental implant failure. Genetic predisposition plays an essential role in the development of PI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of IL-16 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs11556218 and rs4072111, with PI at the gene level.

Patients and Methods

A total of 162 patients with PI and 162 cases with healthy implants were recruited as the case and control groups, respectively. The genotypes were analysed using direct sequencing. The genotype and allele proportion between the case and control groups were compared using the chi-square test. The periodontal status of patients carrying different genotypes was analysed, including gingival index, plaque index, calculus index, peri-implant pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL).

Results

The case and control groups were age- and gender-matched. In the case group, the rs4072111 CT genotype was majorly observed, and the T allele carriers showed a high PI risk. Patients with the rs4072111 CT genotype had worse periodontal status, which was reflected by the higher levels of the gingival index, plaque index, calculus index, PPD and CAL. The distribution of the rs11556218 genotype and T allele showed no significant difference between the case and control groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The CT genotype of IL-16 gene rs4072111 SNP can be used as a factor assessing PI risk. Therefore, IL-16 genetic variation may be related to PI susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.

Urine Proteomics and Renal Single Cell Transcriptomics Implicate IL-16 in Lupus Nephritis

OBJECTIVES

Current treatments are effective only in 30% of lupus nephritis patients emphasizing the need for novel therapeutic strategies. To develop mechanistic hypotheses and explore novel biomarkers, we analyzed the longitudinal urinary proteomic profiles in patients with lupus nephritis undergoing treatment.

METHODS

We quantified 1,000 urinary proteins in 30 patients with lupus nephritis at the time of the diagnostic renal biopsy and after 3, 6, and 12 months. The proteins and molecular pathways detected in the urine proteome were then analyzed with respect to baseline clinical features and longitudinal trajectories. The intrarenal expression of candidate biomarkers was evaluated using single cell transcriptomics of renal biopsies from lupus nephritis patients.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed multiple biological pathways including chemotaxis, neutrophil activation, platelet degranulation, and extracellular matrix organization that could be noninvasively quantified and monitored in the urine. We identified 237 urinary biomarkers associated with lupus nephritis as compared to controls without SLE. IL-16, CD163, and TGF-β mirrored intrarenal nephritis activity. Response to treatment was paralleled by a reduction of urinary IL-16, a CD4 ligand with proinflammatory and chemotactic properties. Single cell RNA sequencing independently demonstrated that IL16 is the second most expressed cytokine by most infiltrating immune cells in lupus nephritis kidneys. IL-16 producing cells were found at key sites of kidney injury.

CONCLUSION

Urine proteomics may profoundly change the diagnosis and management of lupus nephritis by noninvasively monitor active intrarenal biological pathways. These findings implicate IL-16 in lupus nephritis pathogenesis designating it as a potentially treatable target and biomarker.

Genetic polymorphisms of IL-27 and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus disease in the Egyptian population

OBJECTIVE

Cytokine polymorphisms have been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenicity. Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is an important one of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine. It has been reported in various Th1/Th17-mediated inflammatory disorders, and even in Th2-complexed diseases, such as SLE. In our preliminary study, the aim was to investigate the potential roles of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -964A/G (rs153109) and + 2905 T/G (rs17855750) in an IL-27p28 gene on susceptibility to SLE.

METHODS

The 112 Egyptian SLE patients against 101 healthy persons were enrolled in this work. The polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) is used for genotyping IL-27 SNPs.

RESULTS

No significant variations were found between patients and control in the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-27p28 (-964A/G). SLE patients have a significant increase in the frequency of IL-27p28 (+ 2905 T/G) TG genotype (P < 0.01) and G allele (P < 0.01) compared to controls. Complete disappearance of GG genotype was demonstrated in both groups. G allele might have considered a disease risk factor with odd ration (OR) = 9.184. From four possible haplotypes, the frequency of AT haplotype elevated in both examined groups.

CONCLUSION

This was the first study on the Egyptian population for studying the relation between IL-27 SNPs and SLE. Our preliminary study indicated that both TG genotype and G allele of IL-27p28 (+ 2905 T/G) could consider risk factors for SLE. Key Points • This article provides an information about the relation between systemic lupus erythematosus and interleukin-27 cytokine by detection single nucleotide polymorphism.

Genetic variability of immune-related lncRNAs: polymorphisms in LINC-PINT and LY86-AS1 are associated with pemphigus foliaceus susceptibility

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin, clinically characterized by erosions and, histopathologically, by acantholysis. PF is endemic in the Brazilian Central-Western region. Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been shown to affect the susceptibility for PF, including SNPs at long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes, which are known to participate in many physiological and pathogenic processes, such as autoimmunity. Here, we investigated whether the genetic variation of immune-related lncRNA genes affects the risk for endemic and sporadic forms of PF. We analysed 692 novel SNPs for PF from 135 immune-related lncRNA genes in 227 endemic PF patients and 194 controls. The SNPs were genotyped by Illumina microarray and analysed by applying logistic regression at additive model, with correction for sex and population structure. Six associated SNPs were also evaluated in an independent German cohort of 76 sporadic PF patients and 150 controls. Further, we measured the expression levels of two associated lncRNA genes (LINC-PINT and LY86-AS1) by quantitative PCR, stratified by genotypes, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy subjects. We found 27 SNPs in 11 lncRNA genes associated with endemic PF (p < .05 without overlapping with protein-coding genes). Among them, the LINC-PINT SNP rs10228040*A (OR = 1.47, p = .012) was also associated with increased susceptibility for sporadic PF (OR = 2.28, p = .002). Moreover, the A+ carriers of LY86-AS1*rs12192707 mark lowest LY86-AS1 RNA levels, which might be associated with a decreasing autoimmune response. Our results suggest a critical role of lncRNA variants in immunopathogenesis of both PF endemic and sporadic forms.

Polymorphisms in proinflammatory cytokines genes and susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). It is immunologically induced in genetically susceptible individuals. Proinflammatory cytokines play an important role as genetic polymorphisms in their genes might be involved in the susceptibility and pathogenesis of MS.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, our goal was to analyze the association between the gene polymorphisms in interleukin-16 (IL-16) (rs4072111 C/T), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) -308 G/A (rs1800629 G/A) and IL-18 -607 C/A (rs1946518 C/A) and the susceptibility and clinical features of MS in an Egyptian cohort.

METHODS

We genotyped these genetic polymorphisms in 150 subjects including 93 patients with MS and 57 unrelated healthy subjects. We employed polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method for determining the IL-16 (rs4072111 C/T) and TNF-α -308 G/A (rs1800629 G/A) polymorphisms, and the allele- specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) method for IL-18-607 C/A (rs1946518 C/A) polymorphism.

RESULTS

The IL-16 (rs4072111 C/T) polymorphism was not polymorphic in both MS patients and the healthy volunteers. For the TNF-α-308 G/A (rs1800629 G/A) polymorphism, the mutant AA genotype and A allele are not associated with the susceptibility of MS, however, associated with the severity and disability progression of the disease. We observed a statistically significant increase in the mean values of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) in patients with AA genotype and A allele compared with those of genotypes GG and GA, and the G allele, and regression analysis confirmed that this polymorphism is a predictor of disease disability using EDSS. For the IL-18 -607 C/A (rs1946518 C/A) polymorphism, the frequency of mutant AA genotype and A allele showed significant differences between the MS patients and healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

The TNF-α-308 AA genotype and A allele could be related to disability progression and severity of MS and the IL-18-607 AA genotype A allele could be related to susceptibility of the disease in the Egyptian cohort.

Association of IL16 polymorphisms with periodontitis in Brazilians: A case- control study

Periodontitis (PD) is a chronic inflammatory process resulting from the relationship of the immune response with the components in dental plaque. Cytokines and their genetic polymorphisms seem to be involved in the immunopathogenesis of this disease. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of IL16 polymorphism with PD. A case-control study was conducted in a sample of individuals from southern Brazil. The genotyping of IL16, rs11556218 T>G, rs4072111 C>T e rs4778889 T>C, was performed using the PCR-RFLP methodology. The serum level of IL-16 was determined using an IL-16 ELISA kit for humans. SNPStats and OpenEpi software and Wilcoxon's U test were used to perform statistical analysis. IL16 rs11556218 polymorphism was significantly associated to PD in nonsmoking patients: individuals with G/G genotype were less likely to develop PD compared to the T/T genotype (OR = 0.10; Pc = 0.019, codominant model). In addition, the TTT haplotype was associated with a high risk for PD (OR = 2.45; P = 0.01). A low IL-16 serum level was observed among individuals with PD when compared to controls (P = 0.027). Thus, the IL16 rs16556218 polymorphism and the serum levels of IL-16 were associated with periodontitis in a Brazilian sample, and this was influenced by environmental factors such as smoking.

Association of functional IL16 polymorphisms with cancer and cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is a chemotactic cytokine that is found to increase in Cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL16 were associated with diseases. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate possible associations between IL16 rs4778889, rs11556218, rs4072111, and rs1131445 SNPs and the risk for cancer or CVD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were systematically reviewed, and a meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The analysis comprised 6386 individuals with cancer and 2415 with CVD. The SNP rs11556218 was significantly associated with an increased risk for cancer in Chinese in different genetic inheritance models. Also, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to show an association of rs4778889 with an increased risk of gastric cancer and rs11556218 with an increased risk of CVD in Chinese.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggested that the SNPs rs11556218 and rs4778889 of IL16 were associated with an increased risk for cancer in Chinese and rs11556218 with increased risk for CVD in Chinese, highlighting the need for further studies on the impact of these polymorphisms on cancer treatment and surveillance.

Interaction of miR-181b and IFNA1 Polymorphisms on the Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Introduction

A previous work has discovered that chromosome 1q32 locus linked to the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and miR-181b located on the susceptibility site with downregulation inversely correlating to its target molecular interferon alpha 1 (IFNA1). The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of miR-181b and IFNA1 polymorphisms with IS risk.

Methods

The miR-181b rs322931, IFNA1 rs1332190, and rs10811543 were genotyped using a Multiplex SNaPshot assay. miR-181b expression levels in plasma of SLE patients and controls were analyzed using quantitative PCR.

Results

The rs322931 CT, CT/TT, and T allele exerted an increased trend of SLE risk (CT vs. CC: adjusted OR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.16-2.50, P = 0.01; CT/TT vs. CC: adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.08-1.95, P = 0.01; T vs. C: adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.79, P = 0.01). Combined genotypes of the rs322931 CT/TT+rs1332190 TT and the rs322931 CC+rs10811543 AG/AA also revealed an increased risk of SLE. Gene-gene interaction analysis showed that a three-locus model consisting of rs322931, rs1332190, and rs10811543 attributed an increased risk of SLE. Further genotype-phenotype analysis revealed that rs322931 CT/TT carriers displayed lower levels of miR-181b.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the miR-181b rs322931 may be singly and jointly responsible for the etiology of SLE by altering miR-181b expression.

Association of IL-16 gene polymorphisms with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Chinese Han population

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the genetic association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin-16 (IL-16) gene with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility in a Chinese Han population.

Methods: In total, 133 T2DM patients and 127 healthy controls matched by age and gender were recruited in the case–control study. IL-16 gene rs4778889 and rs11556218 polymorphisms were genotyped in the two groups via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Differences in genotype and allele distributions between groups were compared by the χ² test. All the comparisons were adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) by logistic regression. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association strength between IL-16 gene polymorphism and T2DM risk.

Results: The TG genotype and G allele frequencies of rs11556218 increased remarkably in the case group than that in controls (45.86 vs 33.86%; 29.70 vs 20.87%), and the differences reached a significant level (P<0.05). After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, the differences still reached a significant level (P<0.05). Rs11556218 TG genotype carriers had a 1.769-fold increased risk of developing T2DM (OR = 1.769, 95% CI = 1.045–2.994), and G allele was also associated with an increased risk of T2DM (OR = 1.639, 95% CI = 1.087–2.471). IL-16 rs4778889 polymorphism showed no significant association with T2DM risk.

Conclusion:IL-16 gene rs11556218 polymorphism was significantly associated with T2DM susceptibility in the Chinese Han population, while rs4778889 was not.

Co-existence of endometriosis with 13 non-gynecological co-morbidities: Mutation analysis by whole exome sequencing

Endometriosis is an enigmatic condition with an unknown etiology and poorly understood pathogenesis and women with endometriosis represent a high-risk population group for a large category of chronic conditions. The study focused on a 67-year-old woman who presented with a 40-year history of familial endometriosis associated with various non-gynecological co-morbidities, thus representing a unique case from a cohort of 1,000 patients with endometriosis. Her family history included infertile members suffering from endometriosis. Thirteen non-gynecological co-morbidities were documented throughout the years, including five autoimmune diseases (i.e., systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, bronchial asthma and Crohn's disease), urinary bladder diverticulum, osteoporosis, multinodular goiter, cardiovascular diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease, malignant tumor of urinary bladder, Barrett's esophagus and bilateral cataract. In order to understand the potential role of gene mutations in the development of all those co-morbidities, whole exome sequencing was performed and the presence of various disease-associated, potentially causal missense variants, were observed. These findings are in accordance with the previously suggested common underlying etiologic pathway for some, but not all, autoimmune disorders. This unusual case provides novel insights demonstrating that endometriosis can coexist with various chronic autoimmune diseases and other conditions, including non-gynecological malignancies, which possibly share a common genetic cause, a fact that should be taken into consideration seriously by clinicians.

Whole-exome sequencing identified genetic risk factors for asparaginase-related complications in childhood ALL patients

Allergy, pancreatitis and thrombosis are common side-effects of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment that are associated with the use of asparaginase (ASNase), a key component in most ALL treatment protocols. Starting with predicted functional germline variants obtained through whole-exome sequencing (WES) data of the Quebec childhood ALL cohort we performed exome-wide association studies with ASNase-related toxicities. A subset of top-ranking variants was further confirmed by genotyping (N=302) followed by validation in an independent replication group (N=282); except for thrombosis which was not available for that dataset. SNPs in 12 genes were associated with ASNase complications in discovery cohort including 3 that were associated with allergy, 3 with pancreatitis and 6 with thrombosis. The risk was further increased through combined SNPs effect (p≤0.002), suggesting synergistic interactions between the SNPs identified in each of the studied toxicities. Interestingly, rs3809849 in the MYBBP1A gene was associated with allergy (p= 0.0006), pancreatitis (p=0.002), thrombosis (p=0.02), event-free survival (p=0.02) and overall survival (p=0.003). Furthermore, rs11556218 in IL16 and rs34708521 in SPEF2 were both associated with thrombosis (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively) and pancreatitis (p=0.02). The association of SNPs in MYBBP1A, SPEF2 and IL16 geneswith pancreatitis was replicated in the validation cohort (p ≤0.05) as well as in combined cohort (p=0.0003, p=0.008 and p=0.02, respectively). The synergistic effect of combining risk loci had the highest power to predict the development of pancreatitis in both cohorts and was further potentiated in the combined cohort (p=1×10^-8). The present work demonstrates that using WES data is a successful “hypothesis-free” strategy for identifying significant genetic markers modulating the effect of the treatment in childhood ALL.

The role of IL‑16 gene polymorphisms in endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases affecting up to 10% of the female population of childbearing age and a major cause of pain and infertility. It is influenced by multiple genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is a proinflammatory cytokine playing a pivotal role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of two IL-16 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs4072111 and rs11556218, with the risk of endometriosis in women from Greece as well as to gain insight about the structural consequences of these two exonic SNPs regarding development of the disease. A total of 159 women with endometriosis (stages I–IV) hospitalized for endometriosis, diagnosed by laparoscopic intervention and histologically confirmed, and 146 normal controls were recruited and genotyped. Subjects were genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) strategy. A significant association was detected regarding the GG and GT genotype as well as 'G' allele of rs11556218 in patients with endometriosis. The rs4072111 SNP of the IL-16 gene was not found to be associated with an increased susceptibility to endometriosis either for all patients (stages I–IV) or for stage III and IV of the disease only. Our results demonstrated that rs11556218 is associated with endometriosis in Greek women, probably by resulting in the aberrant expression of IL-16, as suggested by the bioinformatics analysis conducted on the SNP-derived protein sequences, which indicated a possible association between mutation and functional modification of Pro-IL-16.

IL-1β and IL-6 Are Highly Expressed in RF+IgE+ Systemic Lupus Erythematous Subtype

Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with great heterogeneity in pathogenesis and clinical symptoms. Rheumatoid factor (RF) is one key indicator for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) while immunoglobulin E (IgE) is associated with type I hypersensitivity. To better categorize SLE subtypes, we determined the dominant cytokines based on familial SLE patients. Methods. RF, IgE, and multiple cytokines (i.e., IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1β) were measured in sera of familial SLE patients (n = 3), noninherited SLE patients (n = 108), and healthy controls (n = 80). Results. Three familial SLE patients and 5 noninherited SLE cases are with features of RF+IgE+. These RF+IgE+ SLE patients expressed significantly higher levels of IL-1β and IL-6 than the other SLE patients (P < 0.05). IL-6 correlated with both IgE and IL-1β levels in RF+IgE+ SLE patients (r² = 0.583, P = 0.027; r² = 0.847, P = 0.001), and IgE also correlated with IL-1β (r² = 0.567, P = 0.031). Conclusion. Both IL-1β and IL-6 are highly expressed cytokines in RF+IgE+ SLE subtype which may be related to the pathogenesis of this special SLE subtype and provide accurate treatment strategy by neutralizing IL-1β and IL-6.

Assessment of Interleukin 16 Serum Levels and Skin Expression in Psoriasis Patients in Correlation with Clinical Severity of the Disease

Interleukin 16 (IL-16) has been described as a significant cytokine involved in the recruitment of CD4+ cells during inflammation; however, its potential role in psoriasis has not been defined. Our aim was to investigate the IL-16 serum levels and IL-16 mRNA skin expression in psoriasis patients in correlation with disease severity and mRNA skin expression for CD4. Moreover, the IL-16 skin localization was assessed and the -295 T/C IL-16 polymorphism was analyzed. For this exploratory, observational, and cross-sectional study, 97 unrelated patients with chronic plaque type psoriasis and 104 healthy controls were enrolled. IL-16 serum levels were significantly increased in patients compared with controls (P = 0.000022) and positively correlated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (r = 0.34, P = 0.0007), Body Surface Area (r = 0.34, P = 0.01) and were significantly higher in individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis (P = 0.0029). There was no significant correlation between IL-16 serum levels and Dermatology Quality of Life Index and no differences in genotype and allele frequencies for -295 T/C IL-16 polymorphism. The expression of IL-16 (mRNA and protein) was elevated in the margin of psoriatic skin while statistically significant increase in IL-16 immunoreactivity, but not in mRNA level, was observed within plaques. Furthermore, the IL-16 mRNA levels within psoriatic lesions positively correlated with the levels of CD4 mRNA, but not with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. In conclusion, our data revealed an association between circulating IL-16 and severity of psoriasis which indicates that this cytokine could serve as a potential marker of disease activity. However, further investigations are required.

A Study on Genetic Association of Interleukin-16 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (rs1131445) With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Iranian Patients

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is an immunomodulatory cytokine, which plays an important role in some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as hepatitis B, which is a major health concern worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to investigate the plausible association between IL-16 polymorphism and chronic HBV susceptibility in an Iranian population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a case-control study, we analyzed rs1131445 polymorphism in the microRNA binding site of the IL-16 gene in 262 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 269 healthy controls, using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and DNA sequencing technology to confirm our results.

RESULTS

Altogether, in this investigation, a significant association was observed between the IL-16 TC genotype compared with the TT genotype (OR = 0.696, 95% CI: 0.485 - 0.997, P = 0.048), after adjustments for confounders including age and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that immunogenetic factors, such as single nucleotide polymorphism in IL-16, could be a risk factor for susceptibility to chronic HBV infection. However, further investigations are needed to verify these results.

The impact of interleukin 12B (1188A>C), interleukin 16 (-295T>C), and interleukin 18 (607C>A, 137G>C) gene polymorphisms on long-term renal transplant function and recipient outcomes

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory mediators play an important role in kidney graft outcome. The cytokine and chemokine gene polymorphisms are associated with variable production, activity, expression, or ligand-receptor affinity. Genetic variation in the DNA sequence of the interleukin 12B (IL12B), interleukin 16 (IL16), and interleukin 18 (IL18) genes may lead to altered cytokine production and activity. These variations can lead to changes in individual patient outcomes after kidney transplantation. It is known that polymorphisms of interleukins have an influence on inflammatory diseases, eg, Crohn's disease, diabetes, and asthma.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between IL12B, IL16, and IL18 gene polymorphisms with delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection episodes (AR), and chronic rejection episodes (CR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 267 (38.6% women, 61.4% men) recipients were included in the study. Cadaveric kidney transplantations were performed at the Department of General Surgery and Transplantation. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine gene polymorphisms of IL12B (rs3212227), IL16 (4778889), and IL18 (rs1946518, rs187238) in 2 mL of serum. Statistical significance (P < .05) was analyzed by logit regression, ANOVA and odds ratio (OR) of χ(2) with Yates correction (95% confidence interval).

RESULTS

Regression analysis revealed no significance between AR/DGF/CR and IL-2B, IL16, IL18rs1946518, and IL18-rs187238 (P > .05). The CR group, AA vs CC genotype of IL18 (rs1946518), had an OR = 2.35 (P = .04). AR and DGF groups had no significance in OR.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no statistical significance between IL12B, IL16, and IL18 (rs187238) gene polymorphisms and kidney graft outcome after transplantation. Presence of AA genotype (IL18-rs1946518) is connected with a 2.35 times higher risk of CR occurrence.

Association of IL-6-174G > C and -572C > G polymorphisms with risk of young ischemic stroke patients

AIM

To investigate the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6) -174G>C and -572C>G polymorphisms and risk for ischemic stroke (IS) in young patients.

METHODS

We genotyped IL-6 -174G>C and -572C>G in a case-control study of 430 young IS patients and 461 control subjects. An unconditional multiple logistical regression model was used to calculate the effects of IL-6-174G>C and -572C>G polymorphisms on IS risk.

RESULTS

Higher body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking were associated with risk of ischemic stroke. Multivariate regression analyses showed that subjects carrying the -174CC genotype (OR=1.69, 95% CI=1.16-2.57) and C allele (OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.09-1.67) had a small but significant increased risk of IS. Similarly, those carrying the -572GG genotype (OR=2.12, 95% CI=1.18-3.82) and G allele (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.14-1.83) had a moderate increased risk of IS. We found the -174G>C and -572C>G polymorphisms interact with hypertension and obesity.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that polymorphisms in IL-6-174G>C and -572C>G are associated with IS risk in young patients, and that these polymorphisms interact with hypertension, obesity and etiologic subtypes. These findings could be helpful in identifying individuals at increased risk for developing IS.

Interleukin-16 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke

Clinical and experimental data have demonstrated that inflammation plays fundamental roles in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Interleukin-16 (IL-16) is identified as a proinflammatory cytokine that is a key element in the ischemic cascade after cerebral ischemia. We aimed to examine the relationship between the IL-16 polymorphisms and the risk of ischemic stroke in a Chinese population. A total of 198 patients with ischemic stroke and 236 controls were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and DNA sequencing method. We found that the rs11556218TG genotype and G allele of IL-16 were associated with significantly increased risks of ischemic stroke (TG versus TT, adjusted OR = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.15-3.07; G versus T, adjusted OR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.05-2.27, resp.). However, there were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-16 rs4778889 T/C and rs4072111 C/T polymorphisms between the two groups, even after stratification analyses by age, gender, and the presence or absence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. These findings indicate that the IL-16 polymorphism may be related to the etiology of ischemic stroke in the Chinese population.

Association between interleukin 6 and interleukin 16 gene polymorphisms and coronary heart disease risk in a Chinese population

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of interleukin 6 (IL6) and IL16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in a Chinese population.

METHODS

Patients with CAD and healthy control subjects were recruited. IL6 (rs1800795 and rs1800796) and IL16 (rs8034928, rs3848180, rs4577037, rs1131445, rs4778889 and rs11556218) genotyping was performed on the MassARRAY® platform (Sequenom®, San Diego, CA, USA).

RESULTS

Frequencies of rs8034928 variant C allele and rs11556218 variant T allele were higher in patients with CAD (n = 326) than controls (n = 341). The rs8034928 C/C genotype (odds ratio [OR] 2.03; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.16, 3.62) and C allele (OR 1.97; 95%CI 1.15, 3.45) were associated with increased risk of CAD compared with wild type. Similarly, the rs11556218 T/T genotype (OR 2.44; 95%CI 1.15, 5.44) and T allele (OR 2.37; 95%CI 1.13, 5.24) were associated with increased CAD risk compared with wild type.

CONCLUSION

The SNPs rs8034928 and rs11556218 are associated with CAD risk in the Chinese population, and may be useful predictive markers for CAD susceptibility.

The association of interleukin-16 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility of coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies have shown that interleukin (IL)-16 is an immunomodulatory cytokine, which plays an important role in some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between the IL-16 gene polymorphisms and presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) where inflammatory processes are involved.

DESIGNS AND METHODS

This case-control study enrolled 651 CAD patients confirmed by coronary angiography and 428 controls. Four tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs8034928-rs3848180-rs4577037-rs1131445) within the IL-16 gene and the related haplotypes were genotyped by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Plasma IL-16 concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

In patients with CAD, the plasma concentration of IL-16 was significantly higher than in controls (97.6±10.7, 66.5±9.6, respectively P<0.001). By using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the allele and genotype frequencies of rs8034928 were different between CAD and control groups (P<0.001). However, the associations of the polymorphisms rs3848180, rs4577037, and rs1131445 with CAD were not observed. The haplotypes TTTT and TGGT significantly increased risk to CAD (OR, 95% CI: 1.43, 1.26-1.63; 1.47, 1.16-1.85; respectively), whereas the haplotypes CTTT and TTGT referred to protection of CAD (OR, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.33-0.62; 0.50, 0.33-0.76; respectively).

CONCLUSION

The study indicated that the IL-16 rs8034928 T/C polymorphism and haplotypes were associated with the presence of CAD in Chinese Han population. The IL-16 gene polymorphisms may be a useful predictor to the susceptibility of CAD.

Genetic polymorphism of interleukin-16 influences susceptibility to HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population

AIM

Interleukin-16 (IL16) as a multifunctional cytokine, plays a key role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as tumour growth and progression. Recently, genetic polymorphisms of IL16 have been reported to be associated with susceptibility to a range of cancers. This study was undertaken to investigate the IL16 gene polymorphisms and determine whether these genetic factors are related to the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a Chinese population.

METHODS

We analyzed three polymorphisms of the IL16 gene (rs11556218T/G, rs4072111C/T and rs4778889T/C) in 206 patients with HBV-related HCC, 270 chronic hepatitis B patients and 264 healthy controls, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and DNA sequencing technology.

RESULTS

IL16 polymorphisms were not associated with risk of HCC when compared with healthy controls. However, IL16 polymorphisms were significantly associated with susceptibility to HBV-related HCC when using chronic hepatitis B patients as controls. The rs11556218T/G TG and GG genotypes were associated with significantly increased risk of HBV-related HCC compared with the TT genotype (OR = 1.96 and OR = 3.33). The data also revealed that subjects with the G allele appeared to have higher susceptibility to HBV-related HCC than those with the T allele (OR = 2.10). Under the dominant model genotype TG+GG appeared to be associated with an increased risk of HBV-related HCC (OR = 2.18). The rs4072111C/T TT genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of HBV-related HCC compared with the CC genotype (OR = 6.67). Polymorphisms of the IL16 gene were significantly associated with susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B when using healthy subjects as controls. The rs11556218T/G TG and GG genotypes were associated with significantly decreased risk of chronic hepatitis B compared with the TT genotype (OR = 0.49 and OR = 0.29). The data also revealed that subjects with the G allele appeared to have lower susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B than those with the T allele (OR = 0.46). Under the dominant model genotype TG + GG appeared to have lower susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B (OR = 0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the genotypes and allele of IL16 SNPs were associated with chronic HBV infection and HCC. However, further investigation with a larger sample size and haplotype analysis with other SNPs may be required to validate the genetic effects of the IL16 polymorphisms on chronic HBV infection and HCC.

IL-16 rs11556218 gene polymorphism is associated with coronary artery disease in the Chinese Han population

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to investigate the association between IL-16 gene polymorphisms (rs4778889 C/T and rs11556218 G/T) and coronary artery disease (CAD).

DESIGN AND METHODS

The initial cohort consisted of 300 CAD patients and 397 controls from the Chinese Han population. Genotyping was performed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The positive association between polymorphism and CAD was replicated in another independent cohort, which included 424 CAD cases and 332 controls.

RESULTS

In the initial study, the allele and genotype frequencies of rs4778889 were not different between in CAD and controls (P>0.05). However, The G allele frequency of rs11556218 was significantly higher in the CAD cases than in the controls (CAD, 46.8% vs. controls, 22.8%, P<0.001). The risk of CAD was significantly higher in the G allele carriers than in the non-carriers (P<0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 7.27; 95% confidence interval, 4.13-12.8). In the replication cohort, G carriers of rs11556218 also had a higher risk of CAD (P = 0.005, adjusted OR = 2.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-3.74).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that IL-16 rs11556218 G/T polymorphism is significantly associated with the risk of CAD in the Chinese Han population.

Association between interleukin-16 polymorphisms and risk of coronary artery disease

Growing evidence has shown that inflammation plays crucial roles in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Interleukin-16 (IL-16), a multifunctional cytokine, is involved in a series of inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IL-16 polymorphisms and risk of CAD. We analyzed two polymorphisms of IL-16 (rs4778889 T/C and rs11556218 T/G) in 157 patients with CAD and 202 healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing methods. The TG/GG genotypes of rs11556218 T/G were associated with a significantly increased risk of CAD as compared with the TT genotype (odds ratio = 1.77; 95% confidence intervals, 1.16-2.71). This finding indicates that IL-16 may be used as a genetic marker for CAD susceptibility.

Association of an interleukin-16 gene polymorphism with the risk and pain phenotype of endometriosis

Interleukin-16 (IL-16), a proinflammatory cytokine, plays a pivotal role in inflammatory diseases as well as in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of IL-16 gene polymorphisms with the risk and clinical phenotypes of endometriosis in Chinese women. We analyzed rs4778889 T/C, rs11556218 T/G polymorphisms of the IL-16 gene in 230 patients with endometriosis and 203 controls in a Chinese population, using a polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting analysis strategy and DNA sequencing methods. There was no significant difference in the genotype and allele frequencies of the rs11556218 T/G polymorphism between patients with endometriosis and controls (p>0.05). In contrast, the genotype and allele frequencies of the rs4778889 T/C polymorphism were statistically different between patients with endometriosis and controls, which resulted from a significantly increased proportion of TC heterozygote and CC homozygote carriers among patients with endometriosis (p=0.001 and 0.012, respectively); moreover, further subgroup analysis found that the genotype difference was more evident in patients with endometriosis who also experienced pain symptoms (p<0.001) than in patients without pain symptoms (p=0.625) when compared with controls. Our results suggest that the rs4778889 T/C polymorphism of the IL-16 gene may be associated with risk of endometriosis in the Chinese population, especially in patients with pain phenotype.