Two novel biallelic polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene

Genetic polymorphisms in IL-2, IL-10 and FOXP3 are associated with autoimmune neutropenia in early childhood and autoantibody specificity in a Danish cohort

Autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) in early childhood is characterized by chronic neutropenia and positivity for human neutrophil antibodies (HNA), resulting in the excessive destruction of neutrophils. The association between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and AIN has been described, and in this study, we investigated three Treg-associated genes, IL-2, IL-10 and FOXP3. The frequencies of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-2 -330T>G (rs2069762), +114G>T (rs2069763) and IVS3-116 A>G (rs2069772), four SNPs in IL-10 -3575T>A (rs1800890), -1082G>A (rs1800896), -819 C>T (rs1800871) and -592 C>A (rs1800872) and three SNPs in FOXP3 -3499 A>G (rs3761547), -3279 C>A (rs3761548) and -924 A>G (rs2232365) were compared between 166 Danish AIN patients and 358 healthy controls. Disease association was observed for IL-2 IVS3-116 GG (p = 0.0081, OR = 0.35 [0.15-0.80]), IL-10 -3575 TT (p = 0.0078, OR = 1.71 [1.16-2.54]) and IL-10 -1082 AA (p = 0.014, OR = 1.76 [1.14-2.72]) in all patients and FOXP3 -924 (p = 0.0005, A OR = 0.41 [0.25-0.68] and G OR = 2.42 [1.46-4.01]) in male patients. None of the associations were linked to antibody specificity. Disease-associated haplotypes were observed in IL-2 and FOXP3. IL-2 -330T/+114 T/IVS3-116A was associated with anti-FcγRIIIb-positive patients (p = 0.012, OR = 2.07 [1.18-3.62]). FOXP3 -3499A/-3279C/-924A was associated with anti-HNA-1a-positive male patients (p = 0.016, OR = 0.41 [0.20-0.83]), and ACG was associated with female patients, both in the combined group (p = 0.006, OR = NA) and the anti-FcγRIIIb-positive group (p = 0.002, OR = NA). We conclude that our findings reveal a correlation between SNP in Treg-associated genes and AIN, indicating that AIN could be driven by dysfunction of immune homeostatic-evolving Tregs.

Effect of IL-2 polymorphism rs2069762 on single-unit cord blood transplant outcomes

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is one of the most important cytokines that regulate the activation and proliferation of T cells and natural killer cells. The production of IL-2 may be affected by polymorphisms in the promoter region of the IL-2 gene (rs2069762). In allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from adult donors, rs2069762 has been associated with the incidence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, the impacts of IL-2 polymorphism on cord blood transplantation (CBT) outcomes remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of IL-2 polymorphism rs2069762 on transplant outcomes, such as hematopoietic recovery, GVHD, overall survival, relapse, and non-relapse mortality (NRM) after CBT.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from adult patients who underwent single-unit CBT at our institution from November 2005 to March 2023 for whom DNA samples from recipients and donors were available. IL-2 genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction with the TaqMan® SNP genotyping assay for rs2069762.

RESULTS

A total of 143 recipient and donor pairs were included in this study. The proportion of recipient IL-2 polymorphism rs2069762 was 48 % (n = 69) for AA, 42 % (n = 60) for CA, and 10 % (n = 14) for CC. The proportion of donor IL-2 polymorphism rs2069762 was 43 % (n = 61) for AA, 48 % (n = 69) for CA, and 9 % (n = 13) for CC. In the multivariate analysis, the use of an rs2069762 CA + CC donor was associated with lower neutrophil recovery compared to an rs2069762 AA donor (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.50-0.88; P = 0.004). Furthermore, recipients of rs2069762 CA + CC were associated with higher NRM compared to recipients of rs2069762 AA (HR, 2.32; 95 % CI, 1.01-5.34; P = 0.047). Serum IL-2 levels at 8 weeks were significantly higher in rs2069762 CA + CC recipients compared to those with rs2069762 AA recipients (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that donor IL-2 polymorphism affects neutrophil recovery and recipient IL-2 polymorphism affects NRM in adults undergoing single-unit CBT. The polymorphism of IL-2 rs2069762 in recipients and donors might be associated with the clinical outcomes of single-unit CBT.

Correlation of -475 IL-2 Promoter Gene Polymorphisms and the Levels of Serum IL-2 on the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The aim of present study is to asset the IL-2 promoter gene (SNP -475) as a candidate gene for multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility.

METHODS

This study included 70 patients with relapsing - remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 50 healthy controls. Following the extraction of genomic DNA from peripheral blood, frequency of genotypes and alleles of SNP -475 was calculated using Restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymer chain reaction (RFLP-PCR) and then the results were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

The results revealed the unusual ratio for the heterozygous (AT) was 1.6972 indicating that heterozygous patients were at higher risk of multiple sclerosis than wild homozygous (AA), and homomutant (TT). The results show protective role for - 475 IL-2 promoter among individuals with multiple sclerosis, (O.R: 0.4872; C.I. 95%: 0.1617- 1.4680) and (O.R: 0.9275; C.I. 95%: 0.2476 - 3.4745) for both AA and TT genotypes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that in this population of Iraqi patients, the AT genotype / A allele of -475 IL-2 promoter gene SNP may include attributed factors for MS predisposition.

The Association between IL2 Genotypes and Risk and Severity of Chronic Periodontitis in a Chinese Han Population: A Case-control Study

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a kind of multifactorial common oral diseases. Multiple immune molecules including interleukin-2 (IL-2) are involved in the occurrence and development of CP. To investigate the association between the IL2 rs2069762 polymorphism and the risk of CP in Chinese individuals, we recruited 375 CP patients and 443 controls in this case-control study. The PCR-RFLP method was used for genotyping. Data revealed that the GG genotype was related with a decreased risk of CP (GG vs TT: OR, 0.58, 95%CI, 0.37-0.92, P-value = 0.020; GG vs TG+TT: OR, 0.61, 95%CI, 0.39-0.94, P-value = 0.027). Besides, G allele was shown to decrease the risk of CP. In addition, the IL2 rs2069762 polymorphism was related with the severity of CP. To sum up, the IL2 rs2069762 polymorphism is related with a decreased risk and severity of CP in Chinese individuals.

Occurrence of Interleukin-2 (330 G/T) Promoter Polymorphism in ARV associated hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND

IL-2 cytokine is involved in HIV replication and is also known to cause hepatic injury. Polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene are associated with altered interleukin-2 production.

METHODS

Hence, we assessed the prevalence of IL-2-303G/T polymorphism in 165 HIV patients (34 with and 131without hepatotoxicity) and 155 healthy controls using the PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

In patients with hepatotoxicity, IL-2-303GT, -303GT+TT genotypes were less prevalent as compared to without hepatotoxicity and healthy controls (29.4% vs. 42.7%, 58.8% vs. 69.5%; 29.4% vs. 40.6%, 58.8% vs. 66.5%, respectively). In patients with hepatotoxicity using tobacco and alcohol, IL-2-303GT,-303TT genotypes were distributed higher as compared to non-users (42.9% vs. 25.9%, OR=8.52, 42.9% vs. 25.9%, OR=9.09, and 28.6% vs. 29.6%, OR=1.63, 42.9% vs. 25.9%, OR=2.93), while IL-2-303TT genotype occurred more often in HIV patients consuming alcohol (34.1% vs. 23.0%). Nevirapine users with hepatotoxicity overrepresented the IL-2-303GT,-303TT genotypes as compared to efavirenz (34.8% vs. 18.2%, OR=4.64, 34.8% vs. 18.2%, OR=3.88). Among nevirapine users, IL-2-303GT genotype was associated with susceptibility to the acquisition of hepatotoxicity with borderline significance (OR=4.24, P=0.06). HIV patients using nevirapine majorly represented the IL-2-303TT genotype (26.9% vs. 25.0%, OR=2.35) while HIV patients with nevirapine + alcohol usage presented the IL-2 -330TT genotype at a higher frequency (34.2%% vs. 23.5%, OR=1.51). In patients with hepatotoxicity using nevirapine + alcohol, the genotype IL-2 - 330TT was predominant (60.0% vs. 27.8%, OR=3.16).

CONCLUSION

Thus, IL-2-303G/T polymorphism did not confer the susceptibility to ARV associated hepatotoxicity. However, IL-2-303G/T polymorphism with nevirapine usage may facilitate the risk for acquisition of ARV associated hepatotoxicity.

Non-significant association between - 330 T/G polymorphism in interleukin-2 gene and chronic periodontitis: findings from a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an immune-inflammatory disease that promotes tissue damage around the teeth. Among the several inflammatory mediators that orchestrate the periodontitis, there is the interleukin (IL)-2. Genetic variations in IL2 gene may be associated with the risk and severity of the disease. Contrary results are available in the literature with inconclusive findings and none meta-analysis to gather these data.

METHODS

A literature search was performed for studies published before June 11, 2019 in diverse scientific and educational databases. The data was extracted by two investigators and the statistical evaluation was performed by Review Manager statistical program with heterogeneity (I²) and Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% of Confidence Intervals (CI) calculations and a sensitive analysis to assess the accuracy of the obtained results. The publication bias was evaluated by Begg' and Egger's test with Comprehensive meta-analysis software. The value of P < 0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

Five studies were identified in diverse ethnical groups with 1425 participants. The - 330 T/G polymorphism in IL2 gene was not significantly associated with CP in allelic evaluation (P > 0.05) as well as in the genotypic comparisons (P = 0.15). The Begg's test and the linear regression Egger's test did not show any evidence of publication bias risk (P > 0.05) which was corroborated by the absence of obvious asymmetry in Funnel plot graphic.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis showed a non-significant association between - 330 T/G polymorphism in IL2 gene and CP in any allelic evaluation.

IL-1RN VNTR, IL-2(-330), and IL-4 VNTR gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with sinonasal polyposis

Background/aim

Sinonasal polyposis is a complex chronic disease displaying contributions from multiple genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we analyzed possible genetic factors that increase susceptibility to this widespread inflammatory disease.

Materials and methods

A total of 176 adult patients, including 78 patients with sinonasal polyposis and 98 healthy controls, were analyzed for IL-1RN VNTR, IL-2(-330), and IL-4 VNTR gene polymorphisms using polymerase chain reaction and enzyme restriction.

Results

IL-1RN and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms were notably associated with sinonasal polyposis (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.036, respectively); however, regarding the IL-2(-330) gene polymorphism, no significant difference was shown between the patient and control groups (P = 0.235).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that the RN2 allele of IL-1RN and the RP1 allele of IL-4 might be risk factors for developing sinonasal polyposis.

Cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic treatment with aligners compared to conventional labial fixed appliances: a 3-week clinical study

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α increased more and IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 increased less, after 3 weeks of treatment with conventional labial fixed appliance and with aligners. Material and methods: Forty patients who were treated either with labial brackets (n = 20) or aligners (n = 20). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and after 21 days. Cytokine levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (POB) were also examined. Results: The levels of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the GCF were significantly increased in both groups. The levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 increased more in patients treated with aligners compared to those treated by labial fixed appliances. There was a statistically significant difference in change of the mean cytokine levels of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α compared to labial fixed appliances and aligners. Conclusions: The levels of the six studied cytokines in GCF (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) increased after 3 weeks both after treatment with conventional labial fixed appliance and with aligners. IL-1ß and TNF-α showed a prominent increase compared to the other cytokines in the GCF of teeth by both the labial fixed appliance and aligners. However, there were only minor differences in the changes of the cytokine levels from baseline to 3 weeks between the two groups. There were no differences between the groups regarding PI, GI or POB.

Association of -330 interleukin-2 gene polymorphism with oral cancer

Background & objectives

Cytokines play an important role in the development of cancer. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytokine genes have been reported to be associated with the development and severity of inflammatory diseases and cancer predisposition. This study was undertaken to evaluate a possible association of interleukin 2 (IL-2) (- 330A>C) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to oral cancer.

Methods

The SNP in IL-2 (-330A>C) gene was genotyped in 300 oral cancer patients and in similar number of healthy volunteers by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and the association of the gene with the disease was evaluated.

Results

IL-2 (-330A>C) gene polymorphism was significantly associated with oral cancer whereas it was neither associated with clinicopathological status nor with cancer pain. The AC heterozygous genotype was significantly associated with oral cancer patients as compared to controls [odds ratio (OR): 3.0; confidence interval (CI): 2.14-4.20; P<0.001]. The C allele frequency was also significantly associated with oral cancer (OR: 1.80; CI: 1.39-2.33; P<0.001). IL-2 (-330A>C) gene polymorphism was also associated with oral cancer in tobacco smokers and chewers.

Interpretation & conclusions

Our results showed that oral cancer patients had significantly higher frequency of AA genotype but significantly lower frequency of AC genotype and C allele compared to controls. The IL-2 AC genotype and C allele of IL-2 (-330A>C) gene polymorphisms could be potential protective factors and might reduce the risk of oral cancer in Indian population.

Autoimmune hepatitis association with single nucleotide polymorphism of interleukin-2, but not interferon-gamma

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammation in hepatocellular tissues associated with circulating autoantibodies. Imbalance in T-cells population and dysregulation in several cytokine profiles has been implicated in pathogenesis of AIH. This study was performed to assess potential association of AIH with interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) genes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

METHODS

Fifty-six patients with AIH and 139 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. IL-2 and IFN-γ typing was performed, using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) assay. The frequencies of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes in AIH patients were compared to healthy controls.

RESULTS

IL-2 T allele at position +166 (rs2069763) showed significant higher frequency in AIH group (36%), compared to the controls (21%) (OR=2.06; 95% CI, 1.24-3.43, P-value<0.01). The frequency of IL-2 TT genotype at +166 position was also associated with AIH (OR=18.68, 95% CI 3.74-126.04, P-value<0.01). G/T alleles of IL-2 at -330 (rs2069762) and A/T alleles on UTR +5644 position at IFN-γ and their subsequent haplotypes, did not show significant association with AIH.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified IL-2T allele at +166 position and TT genotype as susceptibility gene in AIH which would provide better understandings into the mechanisms of AIH and potential immune modulation therapies.

Genetic variants in gastric cancer: Risks and clinical implications

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that involves many molecular alterations. Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. GC is a highly heterogeneous disease with different molecular and genetics features. Therefore, this review focuses on an overview of the genetic aspects of gastric cancer by highlighting the important impact and role of deletions and/or duplications of chromosomal segments, genomic variants, H. pylori infection and interleukin variants, as found in gene expression and newly proposed molecular classification studies. The challenge is to better understand the mechanisms and different pathways that lead to the development and progression of GC.

Association of interleukin-2 and interferon-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms with Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

PURPOSE

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is a severe and chronic autoimmune disease of unknown origin. Inflammatory cytokines can play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of JSLE, while their secretion is under genetic control. The current investigation was performed to analyse the associations of particular single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) genes in a case control study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies of the polymorphic IL-2 (G/T at -330, rs2069762, and G/T at +166, rs2069763) and IFN-γ (A/T at +874, rs2430561) genes were estimated in 59 patients with JSLE by contrast with 140 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method.

RESULTS

Results of the analysed data revealed a negative allelic association for JSLE in IL-2 -330/T (P=0.02), as well as a positive allelic association for IL-2 -330/G (P=0.02). IL-2 GG genotype (-330) in the patient group was also significantly overrepresented (P<0.001), while IL-2 GT genotype (-330) was notably decreased in the patients with JSLE (P<0.001). Additionally, the frequency of IL-2 (-330, +166) GT haplotype was significantly higher in the patient group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

IL-2 cytokine gene polymorphisms could affect individual susceptibility to JSLE and can take on the role of possible genetic markers for vulnerability to JSLE.

Association of Interleukin-2, but not Interferon-Gamma, single nucleotide polymorphisms with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of IL-2 and IFN-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to JIA in an Iranian population.

METHODS

Genomic DNA of 54 Iranian patients with JIA and 139 healthy unrelated controls were typed for IL-2 (G/T at -330 and +166) as well as IFN-γ gene (A/T at +874), using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers method, and compared between patients and controls.

RESULTS

A significantly higher frequency of the IL-2 -330 GG genotype (p<0.01) was found in the JIA patients compared to the controls. However, the GT genotype at the same position was notably lower than in controls (p<0.01). Moreover, IL-2 (-330, +166) GT haplotype was more frequent in patients with JIA in comparison with controls. No significant differences was observed between the two groups of case and control for IL-2 (G/T at +166) and IFN-γ (A/T at +874) SNPs.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study suggest that certain SNPs of IL-2 gene have association with individuals' susceptibility to JIA. However, further investigations are required to confirm the results of this study.

Association between two interleukin-2 gene polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Background

Several epidemiological studies have illustrated that polymorphisms in interleukin-2 (IL-2) were associated with diverse cancer types. However, recently published statistics were inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, the current meta-analysis was performed to elaborate the effects of IL-2 polymorphisms (rs2069762 and rs2069763) on cancer susceptibility.

Material and methods

A total of 5,601 cancer cases and 7,809 controls from 21 published case–control studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association between IL-2 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility.

Results

Our study demonstrated an increased susceptibility to cancer in rs2069762 (G vs T: OR =1.268, 95% CI =1.113–1.445; GG vs TT: OR =1.801, 95% CI =1.289–2.516; GT vs TT: OR =1.250, 95% CI =1.061–1.473; GG + GT vs TT: OR =1.329, 95% CI =1.118–1.579; GG vs GT + TT: OR =1.536, 95% CI =1.162–2.030). In the subgroup analysis, increased susceptibility to cancer was identified in the hospital-based group and P_HWE<0.05 (P-value of the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium [HWE]) group. In addition, a positive association with cancer susceptibility was observed among both Chinese and non-Chinese. However, no relationship was detected between the rs2069763 polymorphism of IL-2 and cancer susceptibility.

Conclusion

To conclude, rs2069762 polymorphism of IL-2 contributed to an increased susceptibility to cancer, whereas no association was identified between rs2069763 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. Further detailed studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Association Between Interleukin-2 -330 T/G Polymorphism and Acute Renal Graft Rejection: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) -330 T/G promoter polymorphism is involved in the acute rejection (AR) risk of kidney transplantation. However, results from published studies on the association between recipient IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism and AR risk are conflicting and inconclusive.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register from their inceptions through January 2015 for relevant studies. Data concerning publication information, population characteristics, and transplant information were extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the association between IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism and AR risk.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 8 case-control studies with 1,405 cases of renal transplant recipients. The pooled estimate showed that IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism was not associated with AR risk: TT vs TG+GG: OR(fixed,) 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.21; P = .60; GG vs TG+TT: OR(fixed), 1.15; 95% CI, 0.76-1.72; P = .51; TG vs TT+GG: OR(fixed), 1.01; 95% CI, 0.78-1.31; P = .91; T vs G: OR(fixed), 0.93; 95% CI, 0.77-1.13; P = .48. None of subgroup analyses yielded significant results in the association between IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism and AR risk. Meta-regression confirmed that there was no significant correlation between the preselected trial characteristics and our study results.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that IL-2-330 T/G polymorphism may not be associated with AR risk in renal transplant recipients.

Th1/Th2 cytokines and their genotypes as predictors of hepatitis B virus related hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant type of primary liver cancer, is one of the most serious life-threatening malignancies, worldwide. In majority of the cases, HCC develops after prolonged and persistent chronic liver disease. hepatitis B virus (HBV) or HCV infection is prominent etiological factors, attributing to this condition. It has been well documented that HBV, being the inducer of chronic inflammation, is the main causative agent in causing HCC, particularly in Asian countries. The HBV infection leads to a wide range of clinical symptoms from carrier state to malignancy. Cytokines being immune-modulatory molecules, are the key mediators in the defense mechanism against viral infection. In this regard, this review will detail the substantial role of key Th1: interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ; Th2: IL-4, IL-10 and non Th1/Th2: IL-6, transforming growth factor-β1 cytokines genotypes in analyzing the variability in the clinical manifestations in an HBV-afflicted individual, which might finally, culminates into HCC. Since cytokine production is regulated genetically, the cytokine promoter region single-nucleotide polymorphisms induced changes, greatly affects the cytokine production, thus resulting into differential outcome of immune balance.

Impact of IL-2 and IL-2R SNPs on proliferation and tumor- killing activity of lymphokine-activated killer cells from healthy chinese blood donors

One of the goals of tumor immunotherapy is to generate immune cells with potent anti-tumor activity through in vitro techniques using peripheral blood collected from patients. However, cancer patients generally have poor immunological function. Thus using patient T cells, which have reduced in vitro proliferative capabilities and less tumor cell killing activity to generate lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, fails to achieve optimal clinical efficacy. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a potent activating cytokine for both T cells and natural killer cells. Thus, this study aimed to identify optimal donors for allogeneic LAK cell immunotherapy based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the IL-2 and IL-2R genes. IL-2 and IL-2R SNPs were analyzed using HRM- PCR. LAK cells were derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by culturing with IL-2. The frequency and tumor-killing activity of LAK cells in each group were analyzed by flow cytometry and tumor cell killing assays, respectively. Regarding polymorphisms at IL-2-330 (rs2069762) T/G, LAK cells from GG donors had significantly greater proliferation, tumor-killing activity, and IFN-γ production than LAK cells from TT donors (P<0.05). Regarding polymorphisms at IL-2R rs2104286 A/G, LAK cell proliferation and tumor cell killing were significantly greater in LAK cells from AA donors than GG donors (P<0.05). These data suggest that either IL- 2-330(rs2069762)T/G GG donors or IL-2R rs2104286 A/G AA donors are excellent candidates for allogeneic LAK cell immunotherapy.

The association of -330 interleukin-2 gene polymorphism with its plasma concentration in Iranian multiple sclerosis patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The cytokine genes are involved in autoimmune diseases such as MS. In this study, we report the influence of -330 interleukin-2 (IL2) gene polymorphism on its plasma levels in a group of Iranian MS patients. In this study 100 MS patients and 100 ethnically, age, and sex matched healthy controls were selected from Medical Genetics Department of Sarem Women Hospital. Blood samples of all individuals were collected in EDTA tubes. The restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR (RFLP) method was applied to determine various alleles and genotypes in these individuals. Plasma concentration of IL2 was measured in all the samples using human IL2 kit. The frequency of -330 T/T IL2 genotype was higher in MS patients compared to normal individuals. Accordingly, the plasma levels of IL2 were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in patients when compared to the control group. In conclusion, in case of MS patients the -330 T/T IL2 genotype is associated with higher plasma levels of IL2.

Interleukin-2 gene polymorphisms and prognosis of breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays a key role in the proliferation of T cells and natural killer cells. It has been reported that polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene are associated with various cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene on the development of breast cancer in the Chinese population. IL-2-330T/G and +114T/G polymorphisms were assessed in 638 breast cancer cases and 682 age-matched healthy controls. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results showed that individuals with -330TG genotype and -330GG genotype had significantly increased susceptibility to breast cancer (Odds ratio [OR]=1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.79, p=0.0021 and OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.53-3.30, p<0.0001). The +114T/G polymorphism did not show any correlation with breast cancer. In addition, when analyzing the survival time of breast cancer patients with IL-2-330T/G polymorphism, cases with a -330G allele had significantly shorter survival time compared with wild-type patients (p=0.002). These results suggested that polymorphism in the IL-2 gene was associated with increased susceptibility to breast cancer and could be used as a prognostic marker for this malignancy.

Interleukin-2 gene polymorphism in Turkish patients with Behçet's disease and its association with ocular involvement

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic immune-mediated systemic disease, characterized by oral and genital lesions and ocular inflammation. Several cytokine genes may play crucial roles in host susceptibility to BD, because the cytokine production capacity varies among individuals and depends on the cytokine gene polymorphisms. The association of the interleukin (IL)-2 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to BD was investigated in this study. DNA samples were obtained from a Turkish population of 97 patients with BD and 76 healthy control subjects. Polymorphisms of IL-2 gene at position -330 and +166 were determined using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. In the patients with BD, there was a significantly increased frequency of IL-2 -330 GT genotype. Interestingly, we demonstrated that the frequencies of IL-2 -330 GT and IL-2 + 166 GG genotypes were increased in BD patients with ocular involvement, whilst IL-2 -330 TT genotype was significantly decreased. Also, analysis of allele frequency demonstrated that the presence of G allele at position +166 of IL-2 seems to be a risk factor for ocular involvement. These results reveal that IL-2 -330 GT genotype may be a susceptibility factor for BD, whereas IL-2 -330 TT genotype seems to display a protective association with BD. Additionally, IL-2 gene polymorphisms might be associated with ocular involvement in BD.

Interleukin 2 gene polymorphisms are associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematologic malignancy worldwide. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays a key role in the proliferation of T cells and natural killer cells. It has been reported that polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene are associated with various cancers. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of polymorphisms in the IL-2 gene on the development of NHL in the Chinese population. IL-2-330T/G and +114T/G polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 438 NHL cases and 482 age-matched healthy controls. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results showed that individuals with -330TG genotype or -330GG genotype had significantly increased susceptibility to NHL (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.85, p = 0.020 and OR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.28-3.24, p = 0.002). Meanwhile, the +114T/G polymorphism did not show any correlation with NHL. When analyzing the haplotypes of these two polymorphisms, the prevalence of -330G/+114T haplotype was significantly higher in NHL cases than in controls (OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.12-1.88, p = 0.005). These data indicate that IL-2 gene polymorphisms may be new risk factors for NHL.

Identification of interleukin 2, 6, and 8 levels around miniscrews during orthodontic tooth movement

The aim of this study was to identify the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and IL-8 around miniscrews used for anchorage during canine distalization. Sixteen patients (eight males and eight females; mean age, 16.6 ± 2.4 years) who were treated with bilateral upper first premolar extractions were included in the study. Thirty-two maxillary miniscrew implants were placed bilaterally in the alveolar bone between the maxillary second premolars and first molars as anchorage units for maxillary canine distalization. Three groups were constructed. The treatment, miniscrew, and control groups consisted of upper canines, miniscrew implants, and upper second premolars, respectively. Peri-miniscrew implant crevicular fluid and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were obtained at baseline (T1) and at 1 (T2), 24 (T3), and 48 (T4) hours, 7 (T5) and 21 (T6) days, and 3 months (T7) after force application. Paired sample t-tests were used to determine within-group changes and Dunnett's t and Tukey's honestly significant difference tests for between-group multiple comparisons. During the 3 month period, IL-2 levels significantly increased (P < 0.01) but only in the treatment group after 24 hours. IL-6 levels were unchanged at all times points in the three groups. IL-8 levels increased significantly at 1 (P < 0.05), 24 (P < 0.01), and 48 (P < 0.01) hours in the treatment group and at 24 (P < 0.05) and 48 (P < 0.01) hours in the miniscrew group. It appears that miniscrews can be used for anchorage in orthodontics when correct physiological forces are applied.

Interleukin-2 -330T>G genetic polymorphism associates with prognosis following surgery for thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer

BACKGROUND

Key molecules in the T helper (Th)1 and Th2 pathways underlie differential responses to the progression and surgical treatment of cancer. We investigated the relationship between Th1/Th2 cytokine polymorphism and prognosis in patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study participants were 159 Japanese patients treated for thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer with curative esophagectomy at Akita University Hospital. We determined the associations between prognosis following esophagectomy and genetic polymorphisms in Th1 cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, Interferon-γ, IL-12β), and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10).

RESULTS

IL-2 -330T>G genetic polymorphism was significantly associated with prognosis after esophagectomy. Univariate and multivariate analyses using a Cox proportional hazards model revealed that patients carrying the IL-2 -330G/G genotype had a significantly poorer prognosis than those carrying the T/G or T/T genotype. However, IL-2 -330T>G polymorphism was not associated with preoperative serum IL-2 levels. Moreover, interferon-γ, IL-12β, IL-4, and IL-10 genetic polymorphisms were not associated with prognosis after esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that IL-2 -330T>G genetic polymorphism may be a predictive factor for prognosis in patients receiving esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell cancer.

Association of the interleukin-2 polymorphisms with interleukin-2 serum levels and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common cancers in southern China. In addition to environmental factors such as Epstein-Barr virus infection and chemical carcinogen exposure, genetic susceptibility has been reported to play a key role in the development of this disease. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an immunoregulatory cytokine produced by T cells and plays an important role in antitumor immunity. Variations in the DNA sequence of the IL-2 gene may lead to altered cytokine production and/or activity, and thus modulate an individual's susceptibility to NPC. To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether IL-2 gene polymorphisms and its serum levels are associated with NPC in a Chinese population. We analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms of IL-2 gene -330 T/G and +114 T/G in 180 patients with NPC and 200 age- and sex-matched controls, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing methods, and serum IL-2 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum IL-2 levels were decreased in patients with NPC compared with controls (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-2 gene -330 T/G polymorphism between the group of patients with NPC and the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, genotypes carrying the IL-2 -330 G variant allele were associated with decreased serum IL-2 levels compared with the homozygous wild-type genotype in patients with NPC. Carrying the IL-2 -330 G variant allele was associated with a decreased ability to produce IL-2, which may contribute to NPC susceptibility.

Influence of interleukin polymorphisms on development of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced in the gastric mucosa by inflammatory cells activated by chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Polymorphisms of these cytokine genes are associated with individual differences in gastric mucosal cytokine mRNA level, which result in differences in gastric mucosal inflammation, acid inhibition and gastroduodenal disease risk in response to H. pylori infection. Although polymorphisms of interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-1RN and TNF-A have been reported to relate well with gastric cancer and peptic ulcer risk, those of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 genes are unclear. In combined analyses using data from previous studies, we found that the risk of gastric non-cardia cancer development was significantly associated with IL-4-168 C allele (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69-1.00) and IL-4-590 T allele carrier status (0.61, 0.53-0.73), and IL-6-174 G/G genotype (2.02, 1.31-3.10). In peptic ulcer development, IL-2-330 G and IL-4-590 T allele carriers had a significantly decreased risk (0.37, 0.27-0.50 and 0.58, 0.34-0.99, respectively). Moreover, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 gene genotypes prevalence differs among populations. The inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms (e.g. IL-4-590 and IL-6-572 for gastric cancer, and IL-4-590, IL-6-572 and IL-8-251 for peptic ulcer) have a more potent influence on development of gastroduodenal diseases in Western than East Asian populations. These cytokine gene polymorphisms, as well as those of IL-1B, IL-1RN and TNF-A, may be used to identify groups at higher risk of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer, and those suitable for their prevention by H. pylori eradication therapy in Western populations.

The 4q27 locus and prostate cancer risk

Background

Chronic inflammation is considered to be implicated in the development of prostate cancer. In this study we are the first to investigate a potential association between variants in an autoimmune related region on chromosome 4q27 and prostate cancer risk. This region harbors two cytokine genes IL-2 and the recently described IL-21.

Methods

We genotyped six variants previously associated with autoimmune disease (namely rs13151961, rs13119723, rs17388568, rs3136534, rs6822844 and rs6840978) and one functional IL-2 promoter variant (rs2069762) for possible association with prostate cancer risk using the Australian Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer case-control Study.

Results

Overall, our results do not support an association between the seven variants at position 4q27 and prostate cancer risk. Per allele odds ratios (ORs) were not significantly different from 1 (all P-values = 0.06). However, we found suggestive evidence for a significant association between the presence of the rs13119723 variant (located in a protein of unknown function) and men with a family history of prostate cancer in first-degree relatives (P-value for interaction 0.02). The per allele OR associated with this variant was significantly higher than 1 (2.37; 95% C.I. = 1.01-5.57).

Conclusions

We suggest that genetic variation within the chromosome 4q27 locus might be associated with prostate cancer susceptibility in men with a family history of the disease. Furthermore, our study alludes to a potential role of unknown protein KIAA1109 in conferring this risk.

Promoter polymorphisms of IL2, IL4, and risk of gastric cancer in a high-risk Chinese population

Interleukin 2 (IL2) is a typical Th1 cytokine, and interleukin 4 (IL4) is an inducible Th2 cytokine. These cytokines are critical mediators of the Th1/Th2 balance and apoptosis potential and involved in the process of inflammation-mediated carcinogenesis in human organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that functional variants in IL2 and IL4 were associated with risk of gastric cancer by genotyping two promoter polymorphisms in IL2 G-330T (rs2069762) and IL4 T-168C (rs2070874) in a case-control study of 1045 patients with incident gastric cancer and 1100 cancer-free controls in a high-risk Han Chinese population. We found that, compared with the IL4 -168TT genotype, heterozygous -168TC and combined -168TC/CC genotypes were associated with a significantly decreased gastric cancer risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67-0.98 for -168TC; OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69-1.00 for -168TC/CC, respectively]. Furthermore, this significant protective effect was more evident for gastric cardia cancer patients (adjusted OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56-0.95 for -168TC/CC vs. -168TT). For IL2 G-330T, subjects carrying GT/TT genotypes also had a significantly reduced risk of gastric cardia cancer (adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.46-0.99), compared with those carrying the GG genotype. Our results indicate that IL4 T-168C and IL2 G-330T promoter polymorphisms may contribute to the etiology of gastric cardia cancer in Chinese populations.

Interleukin-2 -330 and 166 gene polymorphisms in relation to aggressive or chronic periodontitis and the presence of periodontopathic bacteria

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-2 mediates the activation, growth and differentiation of T and B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Promoter polymorphisms of the interleukin-2 gene have been associated with altered interleukin-2 production or identified as prognostic markers for various infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate two polymorphisms at positions -330 T/G and 166 G/T in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (n = 58) or generalized aggressive periodontitis (n = 73) in comparison with periodontitis-free controls (n = 69).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Both interleukin-2 polymorphisms were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. Distributions of single alleles, genotypes and haplotypes were calculated using the chi-square test. Risk factor analyses were carried out by logistic regression with respect to established cofactors for periodontitis. The presence of subgingival bacteria in an individual were analyzed using a molecular biological method (the micro-Ident test).

RESULTS

The interleukin-2 genotype -330 TG occurred less frequently in patients with chronic periodontitis (25.9% vs. 49.3%). Moreover, this genotype decreased the adjusted odds ratio for chronic periodontitis (odds ratio = 0.394), whereas the interleukin-2 genotype 166 TT and the haplotype combination interleukin-2 -330,166 TT : TT were associated with an increased adjusted odds ratio (odds ratio = 2.82 or 2.97). For the latter interleukin-2 combination, a positive association for the subgingival presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (81.3% vs. 59.5%) and bacteria of the 'red complex' (78.1% vs. 56.0%) was shown.

CONCLUSION

The interleukin-2 genotypes -330 TG and 166 TT, as well as the combination genotype interleukin-2 TT : TT, could be putative prognostic factors for chronic periodontitis.

Polymorphisms of interleukin-1 and interleukin-2 genes in patients with gastric cancer in Korea

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Interleukin (IL)-1 gene polymorphism has been reported to be associated with the increment of gastric cancer (GC) and the decrement of duodenal ulcers (DU). In addition, IL-2 is known to induce Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated gastric atrophy, but it is not known whether IL-2 gene polymorphism increases the risk of GC (GC) or peptic ulcer diseases. Therefore, we compared the genotypes of IL-1B, IL-1RN, and IL-2 gene polymorphisms with risk of gastric ulcers (GU), GC, and DU in Korean patients.

METHODS

In total, 116 GU, 122 GC, and 104 DU patients were included consecutively and compared with 100 healthy controls. Polymorphisms of the IL-1B-511/-31 gene, the penta-allelic variable number of tandem repeats of the IL-1RN gene, and the IL-2-330 gene were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism or confronting two-pair primers methods.

RESULTS

The age-sex-adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the IL-1B-511 T genotype relative to the C/C genotype (OR = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-1.65), IL-1RN*2 genotype relative to the L/L genotype (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.41-1.78), and IL-2-330 T genotype relative to the G/G genotype (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 0.76-4.96) were not increased in GC. There was also no significant difference in the genotypes of these cytokine polymorphisms between the study group (GU or DU) and control group. In addition, genotypic frequency was not associated with H. pylori positivity and histological type of GC.

CONCLUSION

IL-1B-511, IL-1RN, and IL-2 genetic polymorphisms were not important contributors to the pathogenesis of GU, GC, and DU in Korean patients.

Association study of interleukin 2 (IL2) and IL4 with schizophrenia in a Japanese population

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) and IL-4 are pleiotropic cytokines regulating Th1/Th2 balance and have a regulatory activity in brain function. Thus these cytokines have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The latest studies provided controversial results regarding the genetic associations of these cytokines. The functional polymorphisms, IL2-330T/G and IL4-590C/T, were associated with schizophrenia in a German population, although contradictory findings were also reported in a Korean population. To ascertain whether IL2 and IL4 contribute to vulnerability to schizophrenia, we conducted a moderate-scale case-control (536 patients and 510 controls) association study for seven polymorphisms in Japanese subjects. There were no significant associations of these genes with schizophrenia using either single marker or haplotype analyses. The present study suggests that IL2 and IL4 do not contribute to vulnerability to schizophrenia in the Japanese population.

A new genetic variant involved in genetic susceptibility to alcoholic liver cirrhosis: -330T>G polymorphism of the interleukin-2 gene

OBJECTIVE

Genetic factors may determine susceptibility to develop alcoholic liver cirrhosis, although it remains uncertain why only a minority of alcoholics suffers from this disease. A decrease in serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) is usually found in alcoholic cirrhotics. In this study we examined the relationship between the -330T>G IL-2 gene (IL2) polymorphism and alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

Genotyping of the aforementioned polymorphism was done by polymerase chain reaction and digestion with restriction enzymes in 257 male alcoholics (161 without liver disease and 96 with alcoholic liver cirrhosis) and 101 healthy controls. A logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders and to analyze the model of inheritance.

RESULTS

We found an association between the -330T>G IL2 polymorphism and alcoholic liver cirrhosis: the frequency of the allele T carriers (genotype TT and GT) was significantly higher in alcoholics with cirrhosis (96.9%) than in those without liver disease (89.4%, P=0.043).

CONCLUSION

We report for the first time that the possession of the -330T allele of the IL2 is associated with a higher risk of developing alcoholic liver cirrhosis and this fact may favor the progression of alcoholic liver disease.

IL2 and TNFA gene polymorphisms and the risk of graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

This study aimed to analyse the association of gene polymorphisms with the outcome of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We studied 122 donor/recipient pairs who received HLA-identical transplants from siblings at the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil, between June 1996 and June 2006. Donor/recipient alleles for TNFA-238 and IL2-330/+166 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were analysed by PCR-SSP. No association was observed between the risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and these SNP. However, our findings suggest that the polymorphism of promoter gene TNFA-238GA is associated with the occurrence and severity of chronic GVHD. The probability of chronic GVHD in patients with GA genotype at position -238 of TNFA gene is 91.7% in contrast to 59.4% in patients with GG genotype (P = 0.038). In patients with donor GA genotype the probability of chronic GVHD is 90.8%, and 57.9% in patients with donor GG genotype (P = 0.038). The probability of extensive chronic GVHD in patients with TNFA-238GA is 91.7% compared with 46.3% in patients with TNFA-238GG (P = 0.0046). In patients with donor GA genotype at position -238 of the TNFA gene, it is 81.7%, compared with 44.5% in patients with donor GG genotype (P = 0.016). However, further studies with more patients are required to identify cytokine gene polymorphisms and their association with transplant-related complication in Brazil, particularly due to ethnic background, the relatively low power of detection of genetic markers of this study, and the complexity of the MHC region.

Associations of IL-2 and IL-4 gene polymorphisms with psoriasis in the Korean population

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is association with an overexpression of T-helper cell type 1(Th1) cytokines and relative underexpression of Th2 cytokines. The cytokine production is under genetic control, and certain allelic variants of cytokine genes are associated with higher or lower cytokine production in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate association of cytokine genes polymorphisms with psoriasis in the Korean population.

METHODS

We investigated the polymorphisms of IL-2 -330, IL-4 -590, IL-4 receptor +1902, IL-10 -1082 and -819, and IFN-gamma intron 1 in 114 psoriasis patients and 281 healthy normal controls in Korean.

RESULTS

IL-2 -330*G and IL-4 -590*C alleles significantly increased in psoriasis patients, especially late-onset group, compared to the control. The combined effect of IL-2 -330*G and IL-4 -590*C showed that the positive combination of IL-2 -330*G and IL-4 -590*C alleles were more significantly associated with the late-onset group of psoriasis patients than the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the genetic polymorphisms of IL-2 and IL-4 genes can be susceptible to psoriasis in Korean, especially late-onset psoriasis group.

Interleukin (IL)-12 receptor beta1 codon 378 G homozygote and allele, but not IL-1 (beta-511 promoter, 3953 exon 5, receptor antagonist), IL-2 114, IL-4-590 intron 3, IL-8 3'-UTR 2767, and IL-18 105, are associated with higher susceptibility to leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether certain polymorphisms are correlated with leiomyoma susceptibility, i.e., interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-18, which are all immunomodulatory cytokines that play important roles in host immune responses against cancers.

SETTING

Departments of gynecology and genetics in a medical center.

PATIENT(S)

Women were divided into: [1] a leiomyoma group (n = 162) and [2] a nonleiomyoma group (n = 156).

INTERVENTION(S)

Genotyping for the IL-1beta-511 promoter, IL-1beta exon 5, IL-1Ra, IL-2 114, IL-4 -590 intron 3, IL-8 3'-UTR 2767, IL-12Rbeta1 codon 378, and IL-18 105 were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT(S)

Genotypes and allelic frequencies in both groups were compared.

RESULT(S)

Proportions of IL-12Rbeta1 codon 378 *CC/CG/GG in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups were: [1] 7.4%/43.8%/48.8% and [2] 11.5%/54.5%/34%, respectively. Distributions of other polymorphisms in both groups were not significantly different. Proportions of IL-1beta-511 promoter *CC/CT/TT were: [1] 22.8%/50%/27.2% and [2] 21.8%/57.1%/21.1% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-1beta exon 5 *E1 homozygote/heterozygote/E2 homozygote were: [1] 96.3%/3.7%/0% and [2] 96.9%/3.1%/0% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. Alleles I/II/III/IV/V for IL-1Ra were: [1] 92.6%/7.1%/0.3%/0/0% and [2] 93.9%/5.7%/0%/0.4/0% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-2 114 G homozygote/heterozygote/T homozygote were: [1] 27.8%/49.4%/22.8% and [2] 20.5%/53.2%/26.3% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-4 -590 intron 3 *RP1 homozygote/heterozygote/RP2 homozygote were: [1] 64.8%/32.7%/2.5% and [2] 69.2%/26.9%/3.9% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-8 3'-UTR 2767 A homozygote/heterozygote/G homozygote were: [1] 14.2%/43.8%/42% and [2] 20.5%/41.7%/37.8% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively. The IL-18 *AA/AC/CC were: [1] 56.8%/40.7%/2.5% and [2] 59%/39.7%/1.3% in the leiomyoma and nonleiomyoma groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION(S)

The IL-12Rbeta1 codon 378 *G homozygote and G allele are related to a higher susceptibility to leiomyoma. The IL-1beta-511 promoter, IL-1beta exon 5, and IL-1Ra, IL-2 114, IL-4 -590 intron 3, IL-8 3'-UTR 2767, and IL-18 105 gene polymorphisms are not correlated with the development of leiomyoma.

T helper 1 type cytokines polymorphisms: association with susceptibility to Behçet’s disease

The pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD) is not fully understood and immunological abnormalities and genetic factors have been investigated. Because serum concentrations of mainly T helper 1 (Th1) type cells have been reported to be increased in BD, we aimed to investigate whether certain cytokine polymorphisms might represent a risk factor for developing BD. We genotyped 80 patients with BD and 105 healthy controls for interleukin (IL)-1 alpha (T/C -889), IL-1 beta (C/T -511, T/C +3962), IL-1R (C/T pst11970), IL-1RA (T/C mspa111100), IL-2 (T/G -330), IL-12 (C/A -1188), interferon (IFN)-gamma (A/T UTR 5644), and TNF-alpha (G/A -238) polymorphisms. Analyses of cytokine polymorphisms were performed with PCR-SSP. The genotype and allele frequencies of the patients and controls were compared and the association between the polymorphisms of the cytokines with the clinical findings was investigated. Genotype distribution showed significant differences between the patients and the controls for the IL-1 alpha -889, IL-1 beta -511, IL-1 beta +3962, IL-1R, IL-12, IFN- gamma, and TNF-alpha cytokines. We didn't observe significant difference in genotypic frequencies of IL-1RA and IL-2 in our study. Comparison of the IL-1 alpha -889, IL 1 beta -511, and IL 1 beta +3962 genotype frequencies showed significant increase in CC genotype between the patients and the controls. The individuals with IL-1R TT polymorphism had a higher risk for BD compared to patients with CT/CC polymorphism. Comparison of IL-12, IFN- gamma, and TNF-alpha, genotype frequencies showed significant increase in CA, AA, and AA genotypes between the patients and controls, respectively. The frequencies of genotypes according to the clinical features of the patients with BD did not show a significant difference (p>0.05). Our study suggests that development of BD might be determined by various cytokine gene polymorphisms. However, further studies on larger numbers of cases are needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.

Association of interleukin (IL)-4 intron-3 and IL-6 -174 G/C gene polymorphism with susceptibility to end-stage renal disease

Earlier studies suggest that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with inflammatory state and have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study speculated the role of interleukins (IL)-2, -4, and -6 cytokines gene polymorphism with risk of susceptibility to ESRD. Polymorphism in IL-2 (-330 T/G, polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-restriction fragment length polymorphism), IL-4 (intron-3, variable number of tandem repeat, variable number tandem repeats analysis), and IL-6 (-174 G/C, amplification refractory mutation system, i.e. ARMS-PCR) were genotyped in 193 ESRD patients and 180 controls. Significant difference was observed in genotype frequencies of IL-4 and IL-6 between ESRD patients and control group (p<0.001 and p=0.032, respectively). Patients had higher frequency of homozygous B2B2 genotype (IL-4) than controls (62.7% vs 46.7) and GG genotype of IL-6 (73.1% vs 60.6%). The genotypic frequencies of IL-2 were comparable in patients and controls (p=0.102). Significant association of IL-4 was also observed in patients with glomerulonephritis (p=0.001). Combination of low IL-4 and high IL-6 genotypes were significantly associated with ESRD showing the highest risk, i.e. >threefolds risk (odds ratio=3.48, 95%CI=1.88-6.42; p < 0.001) among the four possible combinations taking high IL-4 and low IL-6 as reference. Our study suggests that polymorphism in IL-4 and IL-6 may be associated with susceptibility to ESRD. Further, combined analysis implicated a higher risk in ESRD patients with low IL-4 and high IL-6 producing genotypes. This study provided the basis for defined anti-inflammatory approaches to limit renal disease progression.

Th1 and Th2 cytokine gene polymorphisms in two indigenous ethnic groups in Iran

Cytokines are important immunomodulatory molecules in immune responses against microorganisms and also have an important role in the setting of disorders affecting immune system. Cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms have been extensively studied in different normal populations as well as in relation to diseases. Some of these polymorphisms (SNP) affect cytokine gene transcription and expression. The polymorphisms of cytokine genes are potentially important as genetic predictors of the disease susceptibility and clinical outcome or as a tool for anthropological studies. In this study, samples have been collected from 261 healthy individuals located in two different regions of Iran (Tehran and Yazd). The allele and genotype frequencies of Th1 and Th2 cytokines SNP including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma have been investigated, using the polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer method. The allele and genotype frequencies in Tehran and Yazd populations were similar except for the IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10. The IL-4 C allele, C/C -33 and T/T -1098 genotype were significantly more frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.04, P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively). The G/A genotype of the IL-6 (nt565) and IL-10 (-1082) was significantly less frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.01 and P = 0.003, respectively). The GT haplotype of the IL-2 (-330, +166) was significantly less frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.0002). We have also compared our whole samples with the reported data from other countries showing that Iranian population have cytokine gene polymorphism profile similar to that of Caucasians, especially Italian population.

Interleukins 2, 6, and 8 levels in human gingival sulcus during orthodontic treatment

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study were to determine levels of interleukins 2, 6, and 8 during tooth movement, and test whether they differ from each other with leveling and distalization forces used in various treatment stages of standard orthodontic therapy.

METHODS

Fifteen patients (9 female, 6 male; ages, 15-19 years; mean age, 16.7 +/- 2.3 years) participated in this study. Each underwent a session of professional oral hygiene and received oral hygiene instructions. Two months later, a fixed orthodontic appliance was placed. The patients were seen at baseline, at days 7 and 21, and as the teeth were leveled. Records of the baseline scores for the distalization forces were taken at the sixth month. Scores of days 7 and 21 after 6 months of the distalization treatment were also recorded.

RESULTS

Increases were seen in the volume of gingival crevicular fluid and the concentrations of interleukins 2, 6, and 8.

CONCLUSIONS

Leveling and distalization of the teeth evoke increases in interleukins 2, 6, and 8 levels in the periodontal tissues that can be detected in gingival crevicular fluid.