Association between IL-6, miRNA-146a, MALAT1 genetic polymorphisms and risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-6 (-174G/C), microRNA146a (rs2910164C/G) and MALAT1 (rs619586A/G) and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Egyptians.Methods: SNPs were genotyped in 101 RA patients and 104 controls. Expression levels were evaluated either by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IL-6 or quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for miR-146a and MALAT1.Results: IL-6-174 GC (OR = 3.422) genotype, IL-6-174 C allele (OR = 2.565), miR-146a (rs2910164) CG (OR = 2.190) and MALAT1 (rs619586) AA (OR = 4.125) genotypes and A allele (OR = 6.122) could be considered as risk factors for RA. An increase in the expression of IL-6, miR-146a and MALAT1 was detected in RA patients, which was independent of any SNP.Conclusion: SNPs of IL-6, miR-146a and MALAT1were linked to RA predisposition in Egyptians.

The Impact of the IL-10 Gene Polymorphism on mRNA Expression and IL-10 Serum Concentration in Polish Lupus Patients

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against a lot of nuclear components. Despite many studies on the genetic background of this disease, the pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of the study is to comprehensively evaluate the polymorphism of the IL-10 promoter gene, its mRNA expression, and the serum IL-10 concentration of SLE female patients and females age-matched controls. Analyzing the association between the level of the tested cytokine and the polymorphism genotype-1082; -819; -592, we found statistically higher serum IL-10 levels in SLE patients compared to in healthy controls (11.9 ± 2.2 pg/mL vs. 9.4 ± 1.7 pg/mL, accordingly; p < 0.0001). We did not find statistically significant differences in the gene polymorphism of IL-10 among SLE patients and controls. The most significant observation derived from our study is that IL-10 mRNA transcripts are upregulated in SLE patients compared to in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). According to our results, the presence of the IL-10 genetic polymorphism has no clinical significance for the development of SLE, and subsequent differences in mRNA and IL-10 concentration results from the influence of other factors which should be the subject of further research.

Association of IL-8-251T/A (rs4073) gene polymorphism with Systemic lupus erythematosus in a cohort of Egyptian patients

OBJECTIVE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility was found to be correlated with genetic polymorphisms. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the association of the IL-8-251 T/A polymorphism with the risk of SLE.

METHODS

A total of 135 SLE patients and 75 controls were enrolled in our study. The IL-8-251 T/A polymorphism was analysed by PCR-RFLP. Also, the serum concentration of IL-8 was measured using ELISA. Finally, investigate possible IL-8 pathways in SLE pathogenesis by using the STRING database.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that the risk of having SLE in AA genotype carriers was significantly increased (OR = 1.92, 95 % CI = 1.23-3.10, p = 0.006) when compared with TT genotype carriers. Patients with SLE had a significantly higher frequency of the A allele (OR = 1.37, 95 % CI = 1.09-1.7; P = 0.01) than controls. Serum IL-8 levels were significantly increased in SLE patients (77.81 ± 21.27; p < 0.001) when compared to healthy controls (48.85 ± 7.89). Also, it was found that the serum IL-8 level had significant positive correlations with proteinuria, ESR, ANA, urea and SELADI, and significant negative correlations with RBCs count, C3 and hemoglobin. According to ROC curve analysis, serum IL-8 levels are a good biomarker for the detection of SLE disease, with 87.5 % sensitivity and 85 % specificity. STRING analysis revealed that IL-8 interacts with key SLE signaling pathway members such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a correlation between the IL-8-251 T/A polymorphism and the risk of SLE. Our findings also suggest that the IL8-251 A allele may be an important risk factor for the development of SLE.

Role of interleukin-6 and interferon-α in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case-control study and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder affecting various organ systems with unknown etiology. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-alpha (IFN-α) have been shown to have a major role in disease pathogenesis, and they correlate with SLE disease activity, but reports in the literature are conflicting. The present study aims to investigate the significance of IL-6 and IFN-α levels in SLE pathogenesis in an eastern Indian cohort.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

70 SLE patients fulfilled SLICC 2012 criteria, and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Baseline characteristics along with disease activity were recorded for all patients. Levels of IL-6 and IFN-α were measured by using ELISA. For the meta-analysis, published articles were searched through different databases. Two independent researchers extracted data, and the meta-analysis was performed with CMA v3.1.

RESULTS

The plasma levels of IL-6 and IFN-α in SLE patients were significantly elevated compared to HC (IL-6: p < .0001, IFN-α: p = 0.01). SLEDAI score correlated positively with plasma IL-6 (p < .0001, r = 0.46) and IFN-α levels (p < .0001; r = 0.47). Meta-analysis of previous reports, including our case-control data, revealed higher IL-6 (p < .0001) and IFN-α (p = .005) in SLE patients compared to HC. Furthermore, IL-6 (p < .0001, r = 0.526) and IFN-α (p < .0001; r = 0.371) levels positively correlated with the disease activity.

CONCLUSION

IL-6 and IFN-α levels are elevated in SLE and they correlate with disease activity. Further studies with a larger sample size in different populations are required to validate our findings.

Plasma interleukin-22 level, variants in interleukin-22 gene polymorphism, and the severity of systemic lupus erythematosus among Egyptian pediatric and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose was to investigate, for the first time, genotypes and alleles distribution of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin 22 (IL-22) (rs1012356 and rs2227485) in Egyptian pediatric and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate the plasma IL-22 levels and their association with gene polymorphism and SLE risk and severity.

METHODS

The TaqMan™ SNP genotyping assay on a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system was employed to evaluate the polymorphism's genotypes. Plasma IL-22 levels were determined by using an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The frequencies and genotypes of rs2227485 and rs1012356 in IL-22 between SLE patients and controls also haplotypes formed by the same SNPs revealed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Otherwise, logistic regression analysis revealed that patients carrying rs1012356 "TA + AA" genotype had increased risk for prediction of SLE activity (OR = 1.610, 95% CI = 1.339-2.760, p = 0.034) by lowering plasma IL-22 level.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Egyptian pediatric and adolescents, we confirm a combined model "TA + AA" in rs1012356 (A/T) of IL-22 in regression analysis, as an independent predictor for SLE activity by lowering IL-22 plasma levels. Despite neither SNP rs2227485 A/G in IL-22 gene nor haplotypes formed by the same two SNPs (rs2227485 A/G and rs1012356 A/T) were significantly associated with the clinical and/or laboratory manifestations of SLE.

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.

The Association between Interleukin-6 Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Meta-analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis

BACKGROUND

Molecular epidemiological studies have sought associations between interleukin-6 (IL-6) polymorphisms and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the results are controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis to evaluate a more accurate estimation of the associations.

METHODS

Published literatures reporting the relationships of two IL-6 polymorphisms (G-174C and G-572C) and SLE risk were retrieved from electronic databases such as PubMed and EMBASE. The most appropriate genetic model was chosen for each polymorphism. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was introduced to assess the information size and the positive results.

RESULTS

With 17 studies (2780 cases and 3100 controls) included, a dominant association (CC+GC vs. GG) was suggested for G-174C polymorphism, and compared with the GG genotype, the CC+GC genotype of G-174C was associated with a decreased SLE risk (OR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.56-0.88, P =.02). No association was found for G-572C under all genetic models (e.g. OR and 95%CI for CC+GC vs. GG: 0.89, 0.73-1.08, P =.22). Subgroup analyses indicated that SLE risk decreased in G-174C polymorphism by subgroups of Caucasian population, publications after 2010, studies with high quality, and studies complied with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). TSA suggested that the sample sizes used for G-572C were insufficient.

CONCLUSION

We found that the minor allele C of IL6G-174C polymorphism is a protective factor in SLE. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the null association for G-572C.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms influence the promoter activities of systemic lupus erythematosus-associated genes

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a protypical autoimmune disease and genetic factors play important roles in its pathogenesis. Since present SLE susceptibility loci are mainly studied through meta-analysis of genome-wide association study, we performed promoter activity analysis to examine the biological functions of SLE-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We found at SNP positions rs1341239, rs1800795, rs1800796, rs1800872, rs1800871, rs187238, rs360719, rs8178822, rs3761549, different alleles influenced respective promoter activities in different manners, and the effects also appeared under glucocorticoid treatment. In addition, some SNPs showed strong correlations with levels of respective serum factors, but in most cases the associations were only demonstrated in SLE individuals. Our study has further disclose the functional roles of SLE-associate SNPs in SLE pathogenesis.

Association of interleukin-17A gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in Egyptian children and adolescents: a multi-centre study

BACKGROUND

Recently, the interleukin-17A (IL-17A) gene has emerged as a potential candidate gene for autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate whether IL-17A polymorphisms at rs2275913 G/A, rs8193036 C/T and rs3748067 C/T could be susceptibility markers for juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) in Egyptian children and adolescents.

METHODS

In this multi-centre study, we genotyped 320 patients diagnosed with JSLE and 320 matched control children for three IL-17A polymorphisms at rs2275913 G/A, rs8193036 C/T and rs3748067 C/T using TaqMan probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction. Meanwhile, IL-17A serum levels were assessed using ELISA.

RESULTS

The IL-17 rs2275913 A/A genotype and A allele were more represented in JSLE patients compared to the control group (21% vs. 7%, odds ratio (OR) = 3.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.78-5.5, p = 0.001, pBonf = 0.003 for the A/A genotype; 37% vs. 29%, OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.11-1.8, p = 0.003, pBonf = 0.009 for the A allele. No significant difference was found for IL-17 rs8193036 and rs3748067 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genotype distribution or allele frequencies (p>0.05). Patients carrying the IL-17 rs2275913 A/A genotype and A allele were more likely to develop LN (OR = 5.64, 95% CI 2.39-13.77, pBonf = 0.001 for the A/A genotype; OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.84-4.07, pBonf = 0.02 for the A allele).

CONCLUSION

The IL-17 rs2275913 A allele and A/A genotype were associated with high IL-17 serum levels and may contribute to susceptibility to JSLE and the development of LN in Egyptian children and adolescents. However, no significant association was evident between the studied IL-17A SNPs and other clinical phenotypes, disease activity scores or laboratory profile of JSLE.

Interleukin 10 gene promoter polymorphisms (rs1800896, rs1800871 and rs1800872) and haplotypes are associated with the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus and IL10 levels in an Iranian population

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with unknown aetiology. According to the role of interleukin 10 (IL10) in SLE pathogenesis, the genetic alterations in its promoter region could be associated with elevated IL10 levels and exacerbated disease. Here, we investigated the association of genotype and haplotype frequencies of three IL10 gene promoter polymorphisms with susceptibility to SLE, IL10 plasma levels and disease activity of patients in an Iranian population. A total of 116 SLE patients and 131 healthy subjects were enrolled. The PCR-RFLP technique was used to detect IL10 promoter genotypes at the positions of -1082 (G/A), -819 (C/T) and -592 (C/A) in association with IL10 plasma levels and SLEDAI scores. The GG genotype of -1082 polymorphism was associated with the increased risk of SLE [OR = 2.65, 95% CI (1.21-5.82), p-value = 0.046]. The CC genotype in -819 region was associated with SLE susceptibility [OR = 3.38, 95% CI (1.26-9.07), p-value = 0.034] and C allele was introduced as risk allele [OR = 1.86, 95% CI (1.15-3.01), p-value = 0.009] in this region. IL10 plasma levels were overexpressed in CC genotype carriers of -592 SNP and decreased in AA genotype carriers of -1082. IL10 was also increased in SLE patients with CGT (-592/-1082/-819) haplotype. The SLEDAI score was higher among CC genotype carriers at the position of -592 and TT genotype carriers at the region of -819. SLEDAI was also elevated among patients with CGC (-592/-1082/-819) and CAC (p = 0.011) haplotypes. The present study suggests that the IL10 -819(C/T), -1082(G/A) and -592(C/A) polymorphisms and the haplotypes are associated with SLE susceptibility, increased disease activity and elevated IL10 levels. While this is the first time to report such an association in an Iranian population, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The Interleukin-10 Family of Cytokines and Their Role in the CNS

Resident cells of the central nervous system (CNS) play an important role in detecting insults and initiating protective or sometimes detrimental host immunity. At peripheral sites, immune responses follow a biphasic course with the rapid, but transient, production of inflammatory mediators giving way to the delayed release of factors that promote resolution and repair. Within the CNS, it is well known that glial cells contribute to the onset and progression of neuroinflammation, but it is only now becoming apparent that microglia and astrocytes also play an important role in producing and responding to immunosuppressive factors that serve to limit the detrimental effects of such responses. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is generally considered to be the quintessential immunosuppressive cytokine, and its ability to resolve inflammation and promote wound repair at peripheral sites is well documented. In the present review article, we discuss the evidence for the production of IL-10 by glia, and describe the ability of CNS cells, including microglia and astrocytes, to respond to this suppressive factor. Furthermore, we review the literature for the expression of other members of the IL-10 cytokine family, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22 and IL-24, within the brain, and discuss the evidence of a role for these poorly understood cytokines in the regulation of infectious and sterile neuroinflammation. In concert, the available data indicate that glia can produce IL-10 and the related cytokines IL-19 and IL-24 in a delayed manner, and these cytokines can limit glial inflammatory responses and/or provide protection against CNS insult. However, the roles of other IL-10 family members within the CNS remain unclear, with IL-20 appearing to act as a pro-inflammatory factor, while IL-22 may play a protective role in some instances and a detrimental role in others, perhaps reflecting the pleiotropic nature of this cytokine family. What is clear is that our current understanding of the role of IL-10 and related cytokines within the CNS is limited at best, and further research is required to define the actions of this understudied family in inflammatory brain disorders.

Interleukin 6 and 10 Serum Levels and Genetic Polymorphisms in Children with Down Syndrome

Immunological impairment is a condition that is often observed in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). The immune response is modulated by pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines whose expressions could be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. The present study was aimed at evaluating the frequencies of -174G>C, -572G>C, and -597G>A polymorphisms in the interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene and -592C>A, -1082A>G, and -819C>T polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene and the IL-6 and IL-10 serum levels in healthy individuals with and without DS. The authors also aimed to investigate the impact of the genotypes on the interleukin concentrations. The genetic polymorphisms were investigated in 200 DS individuals and 200 controls without DS. The serum measurement of IL-6 and IL-10 was performed in a subgroup (54 cases and 54 controls) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The frequencies of the polymorphisms and haplotypes evaluated were not different between individuals with and without DS. IL-10 concentration was higher in DS children but was not influenced by IL-10 gene polymorphisms. IL-6 genotypes had no influence on IL-6 serum levels. The IL-10 serum levels are increased in DS individuals, but IL-10 polymorphisms are not the main factors that influence the IL-10 expression in DS.

Association of interleukin 22 gene polymorphisms and serum IL-22 level with risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in a Chinese population

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the interleukin 22 (IL-22) gene and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Chinese population. Three IL-22 SNPs (rs2227485, rs2227513 and rs2227491) were genotyped using SNaPshot SNP genotyping assays and identified by sequencing in 314 SLE patients and 411 healthy controls. The IL-22 level of serum was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Data were analysed by spss version 17.0 software. We found that rs2227513 was associated with an increased risk of SLE [AG versus AA: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2·24, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·22-4·12, P = 0·010; G versus· A: adjusted OR = 2·18, 95% CI = 1·20-3·97, P = 0·011]. Further analysis in patients with SLE showed that the AG genotype and G allele were associated with an increased risk of renal disorder in SLE (G versus A: aOR = 3·09, 95% CI = 1·30-7·33, P = 0·011; AG versus· AA: aOR = 3·25, 95% CI = 1·35-7·85, P = 0·009). In addition, the concentration of IL-22 was significantly lower in the rs2227513 AG genotype compared with AA genotype (P = 0·028). These results suggest that rs2227513 polymorphism might contribute to SLE susceptibility, probably by decreasing the expression of IL-22.

NOTCH4 is a possible novel susceptibility gene for dilated cardiomyopathy in the Chinese population: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has increased in recent years, and many studies have sought to further improve the general understanding of this condition. Previous studies have demonstrated that some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with systemic lupus erythematosus also affect susceptibility to DCM, suggesting that immune-related diseases may share similar genetic susceptibility. Recent large-scale and genome-wide association studies have identified NCR3, NOTCH4, CYP1A2, ITGA1, OPRM1, ST8SIA2, and LINC00704 as genetic risk factors associated with cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus. Here, we aimed to determine whether these SNPs conferred susceptibility to DCM in the Chinese Han population.

METHODS

We investigated the relationship between these polymorphisms and DCM risk in 273 patients with DCM and 548 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using MassArray iPLEX system.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis indicated that the T allele of rs3134942 in NOTCH4 gene increased the risk of DCM by 61% compared with the G allele (P_a  = 6.57 × 10^-3 ). The SNP rs3134942 was also significantly associated with increased DCM risk in the additive (P_a  = 6.57 × 10^-3 ) and dominant models (P_a  = 1.01 × 10^-2 ). Additionally, rs2472299 in CYP1A2 gene showed suggestive association with reduced risk of DCM in the dominant model (P_a  = 4.24 × 10^-2 ) and was correlated with smoking status in patients with DCM (P_a  = 1.56 × 10^-2 ).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that rs3134942 in NOTCH4 may be involved in DCM risk. Further, studies in larger and ethnically diverse populations are required to confirm the results reported in this study.

Meta-analysis of the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism of IL-10-1082G/A and rheumatic heart disease

Background

The results showed that there was a certain correlation between the single nucleotide polymorphism of IL-10-1082G/A and rheumatic heart disease, but there was no systematic study to verify this conclusion.

Aims

Systematic review of the association between single nucleotide polymorphism of IL-10-1082G/A locus and rheumatic heart disease.

Materials and Methods

Computer retrieval PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Data WanFang, the retrieval time limit from inception to June 2017. A case control study of single nucleotide polymorphisms and rheumatic heart disease in patients with rheumatic heart disease in the IL-10-1082G/A was collected. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated the risk of bias in the study, and using RevMan5.3 software for data analysis.

Results

A total of 3 case control studies were included, including 318 patients with rheumatic heart disease and 502 controls. Meta-analysis showed that there was no correlation between IL-10-1082G/A gene polymorphism and rheumatic heart disease [AA+AG VS GG: OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.28, 1.39), P = 0.25; AA VS AG+GG: OR = 0.73, 95% CI (0.54, 1.00), P = 0.05; AA VS GG: OR = 0.70, 95% CI(0.47, 1.05), P = 0.08; AG VS GG: OR = 0.65, 95% CI (0.22, 1.92), P = 0.43; A VS G: OR = 0.87, 95% CI (0.71, 1.06), P = 0.17].

Conclusions

When AA is a recessive gene, the single nucleotide polymorphism of IL-10-1082G/A is associated with the presence of rheumatic heart disease. Due to the limitations of the quantity and quality of the included literatures, the further research results were still needed.

Association of IL -6 -174 G>C polymorphism with the risk of SLE among south Indians: evidence from case-control study and meta-analysis

Cytokines play a direct role in disease pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Elevated levels of serum IL-6 are well documented with the disease activity and anti-dsDNA antibodies in SLE. The 5' promoter region of the IL-6 gene has been shown to play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression. In view of this, the current study aimed to investigate the possible association of 5' promoter polymorphisms G-597A (rs1800797), G-572C (rs1800796) and G-174C (rs1800795) with the risk of SLE. Analysis of 468 subjects (202 SLE patients and 266 controls) showed a significant association of the -174 G/C variant with the SLE risk in both dominant and recessive model (odds ratio (OR) 3.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-8.69, P = 0.020 and OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.35-3.02, P = 0.0005), respectively. The 'G allele of the -174 loci (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.39-2.78, P = 0.00012) has shown significant distribution between the cases and controls. The haplotype analysis revealed that AGG haplotype carriers are more frequent in cases than controls and found a significant positive association (OR 1.394, 95% CI 1.07-7.12, P = 0.028) with SLE. In addition, we also undertook a meta-analysis on 13 study groups for -174 G/C, comprising a total of 1585 cases and 1690 controls. The pooled OR also suggested a significant association of -174 G/C with SLE (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.53, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of the G allele at the IL-6 polymorphic promoter loci -174 is a risk factor and might influence SLE disease and pathogenesis. Meta-analysis has also suggested the overall correlation between -174 G/C polymorphism and SLE risk.

Promoter Polymorphism (-174, G/C) of Interleukin-6 and Arterial Thromboembolic Events: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction are fatal diseases and are among the top 10 causes of death in Korea, including arterial thromboembolic events. Many previous studies have described the function of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in arterial thromboembolic events and the association between promoter single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs1800795; −174, G/C) of the IL-6 gene. However, these results were controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to more precisely assess the association between the SNP of the IL-6 gene and susceptibility to arterial thromboembolic events.

Material/Methods

We used PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS) electronic databases. Comprehensive Meta-analysis software (Corporation, NJ) was used to evaluate the relationship between rs1800795 SNP of IL-6 gene and risk of arterial thromboembolic events. Odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and P value were also calculated. The 13 eligible studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis.

Results

The present meta-analysis found that rs1800795 SNP of IL-6 gene is not significantly associated with susceptibility to arterial thromboembolic events (C allele vs. G allele, OR=1.04, 95% CI=0.91–1.19, P=0.619; CC vs. CG+GG, OR=1.09, 95% CI=0.91–1.31, P=0.364; CC+CG vs. GG, OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.78–1.21, P=0.763, respectively), and the SNP of IL-6 gene also did not show any significant association with ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction (P>0.05 in each model).

Conclusions

We found that rs1800795 SNP of IL-6 gene was not related to arterial thromboembolic events. However, further study will be needed to confirm these results.

The association of novel IL-33 polymorphisms with sIL-33 and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus

The serum level of IL-33 was upregulated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which may be used as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for SLE. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of four novel polymorphisms of IL-33 with risk of SLE. The study population comprised 540 Chinese individuals, including 257subjects with SLE and 283 healthy controls. The gene polymorphism was measured using Snapshot SNP genotyping assays and confirmed by sequencing. Serum IL-33 (sIL-33) levels were measured by ELISA. The serum SLE levels were significantly higher in the group of patients with SLE than those in the control group (P<0.001). The rs1891385C allele was associated with a significantly increased risk of SLE as compared with the rs1891385 A allele (OR=1.405, 95% CI, 1.052-1.875, P=0.021). The C-T-T-G haplotype was significantly increased the risk of SLE (OR=1.411; 95% CI, 1.021-1.948; P=0.036). IL-33 gene rs1891385 polymorphism was significantly associated with the expression of sIL-33 in the SLE patients. Besides, in our study, we found that the unregulated sIL-33 level was significantly associated with the abnormal changed CRP and ESR. This is the first study reporting the IL-33 gene polymorphisms and SLE, which may help refine the SLE risk profile.