Cytokine Polymorphisms Research Articles

Association between cytokine polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss: A review of current evidence.

Cytokines are a type of protein that play an important role in the immune response and can also affect many physiological processes in the body. Cytokine polymorphisms refer to genetic variations or mutations that occur within the genes that code for cytokines, which may affect the level of cytokine production and function. Some cytokine polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk of developing certain diseases, while others may be protective or have no significant effect on health. In recent years, the role of cytokine polymorphisms in the development of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has been studied. RPL or miscarriage is defined as the occurrence of two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before the 20th week of gestation. There are diverse causes leading to RPL, including genetic, anatomical, hormonal, and immunological factors. With regard to cytokine polymorphisms, a few of them have been found to be associated with an increased risk of RPL, for instance, variations in the genes that code for interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-10. The exact mechanisms by which cytokine polymorphisms affect the risk of recurrent miscarriage are still being studied, and further research is essential to fully understand this complex condition. This brief review aims to summarize the recent literature on the association between cytokine polymorphisms and RPL.

Association between IL-6 -174 G/C (rs1800795) and IL-1A -889 C/T (rs1800587) cytokine variants with polycystic ovary syndrome in Iranian women: A case-control study

Background and AimInfertility in women has various causes, one of which is ovulation disorders. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affecting ovulation is a complex idiopathic disease in which genetic polymorphisms may be involved. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between IL-6 -174 G/C and IL-1A -889 G/A cytokine polymorphisms with polycystic ovary syndrome in a population of Iranian women. Materials and MethodsIn this case-control pilot study, 120 PCOS patients (60 infertile, LPI, and 60 women with recurrent pregnancy abortion, LPA) and 60 controls, CTRLs) participated. After genomic DNA extraction from peripheral blood, we investigated for the polymorphisms rs1800795 of the IL-6 -174 and rs1800587 of the IL-1A-889 using specific primers and PCR-RFLP followed by NlaIII enzyme digestion and PCR-ARMS techniques. ResultsThere was a significant difference in the studied groups in terms of clinical characteristics (p-value < 0.05) except for the levels of HDL and LDL. Regarding demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, a significant correlation was observed between C/G and G/G genotypes of rs1800795 and FBS level (p value = 0.002). Also, rs1800587 showed a substantial relationship between CC and CT genotypes with the level of LH in LPI and the level of FBS in the LPAs (p value = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the frequencies of rs1800795 and frequencies of rs1800587 genotypes in the three studied groups (p value > 0.05).The studied variants were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. ConclusionThe present work showed that rs1800795 and rs1800587 were not directly associated with PCOS in Iranian patients while the SNPs showed an indirect relationship with some factors affecting the disease.However, using genome-wide association analysis is a proper suggestion to obtain more reliable information about the disease’s genetic view. To our knowledge, this is the first report that implicates the role of the examined SNPs in an Iranian PCOS population.

Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms of cytokines and hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis: A case-controlstudy.

Various inflammatory and immune cytokines play key roles in the progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver cirrhosis (LC). This study explored the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokines with the combined effect of polymorphisms and gender-polymorphisms interaction and LC risk. In this study, a case-control design was used, samples were selected from 45 patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and 45 age-gender-matched chronic HBV-infected patients without cirrhosis attending the tumor hospital of Wuwei Academy of Medical Sciences. Fifteen SNPs were examined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction allelic discrimination system. Logistic regression was utilized to assess cytokine-associated SNPs and the association between SNPs and LC progression in HBV-infected patients. The multivariate-adjusted logistic model revealed that the GG/AG dominant model (OR, 16.38; 95% CI, 1.13-236.70) and G allele (OR, 5.93; 95% CI, 0.98-36.01) of rs1800896 were associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis in CHB patients. Instead, rs2227306 CT presented a reduced cirrhosis risk (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.04-1.38). Rs2055979 AA/AC was negatively associated with the risk of cirrhosis, potentially reversed in males (p = 0.021). Rs1799964 CC/CT was positively related to the risk of cirrhosis but reduced the risk of cirrhosis in males (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.022-0.808; p = 0.028). Both rs1799964 TT and rs1799724 CT/TT genotype showed a synergistic effect in reducing the risk of cirrhosis with rs1800896 AA (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-1.43 and OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.01-2.21). Polymorphisms rs1800896 and rs2227306 are potentially associated with the risk of cirrhosis. For the first time, the study highlights that the rs2055979 AA/AC and rs1799964 CC/CT polymorphism interact with gender and its potential reversal of cirrhosis risk in males. Furthermore, rs1800896 AA showed a synergistic effect with rs1799964 TT and rs1799724 CT/TT to prevent the progression of HBV infection to cirrhosis.

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

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

Hyperexpression of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Blood as a Biomarker of Systemic Inflammatory Response in Schizophrenia: Scoping Review

Introduction: An imbalance of the genetically determined cytokine response plays a key role in the etiology of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). In recent years, an attempt has been made to evaluate the prognostic role of systemic inflammation in the development of TRS. The problem requires a multidisciplinary approach on the part of the specialists in the following clinical disciplines: psychiatry, immunology, experimental medicine and pharmacogenetics. The solution of this problem is possible with the involvement of preventive and personalized medicine. The purpose: Evaluation the prognostic role of genetic polymorphisms of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of TRS. Materials and Methods: We conducted a keyword-based analysis of the English and Russian-language articles published within the past 5 years. The following databases were used in the study: PubMed, MedLine, Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics), Web Science, Russian Science Citation Index, Scopus, Scientific Research, Google Scholar, Oxford Press, and eLibrary. Results: In a number of the analyzed works, an increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokine production was noted in patients with TRS. Based on this, single nucleotide variants (SNVs), their influence on the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes, as well as their predictor role in the development of TRS. The most promising SNVs for further studies were identified. Conclusion: The risk of developing TRS is associated with a genetically determined status of the cytokine response and its regulation. Studies of the association of various SNVs of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines in the Russian Federation need to be continued.

Association of CTACK, IL-2, and IL-13 with increased risk of lung cancer: A Mendelian randomization study

BackgroundIn recent years, relevant studies have reported that inflammatory cytokines are related to the occurrence of cancer. However, the correlation with lung cancer is not clear. This study used the Mendelian random grouping method to investigate the correlation between inflammatory factors and lung cancer in different populations. MethodsWe obtained the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of inflammatory cytokines through the open database and the SNPs of lung cancer (European and East Asian) through the IEU OpenGWAS project. Inverse variance-weighted (IVW) MR analyses were used to determine the causalities of exposures and outcomes. Supplementary analyses were also performed using weighted median and MR-Egger regressions. Afterward, sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness. Search the ChEMBL database for target drugs and indications for CTACK, IL-2, and IL-13. ResultsBy IVW method, we found that CTACK, IL-2, and IL-13 were associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in the European population (CTACK, OR = 1.098, 95 % CI 1.001–1.204, P = 0.047; IL-2, OR = 1.112, 95 % CI 1.009–1.225, P = 0.032; IL-13, OR = 1.068, 95 % CI 1.007–1.132, P = 0.029), while only IL-13 was associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in the East Asian population (IL-13, OR = 1.110, 95 % CI 1.010–1.220, P = 0.030). The weighted median and MR-Egger regression methods were in the same direction as the IVW effect sizes. Furthermore, no evidence of multidirectionality was detected using the MR-Egger intercept as a sensitivity analysis. Currently, there are no approved or phase III studied indications for CTACK, IL-2, and IL-13 targets in lung cancer. ConclusionThe study outcomes supported that the inflammatory cytokines CTACK, IL-2, and IL-13 increase the risk of lung cancer. There is a lack of indications for drugs in these three targets. We explored the causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and lung cancer, providing a basis for future cancer prediction models and targets for anti-tumor therapy.

Association of IL-4 polymorphism with severe periodontitis in a sample of Iraqi population.

Specific bacterial plaque and environmental factors cannot be considered the only cause of periodontitis. Still, several genetic factors affect the host response to the bacteria, like gene polymorphisms in anti-inflammatory cytokines. Several studies have reported that clones of T-helper 2 lymphocytes (TH2) are generated in response to dental plaque in periodontitis patients, while in healthy individuals, they are regulated by T-helper 1 (TH1) lymphocytes. Accordingly, such patients consistently produce more IL-4 (TH2) in response to bacterial stimulation, whereas healthy controls with intact periodontal tissues produce a significantly higher level of TH1.

Genetic predictors of the risk of developing complications in the immediate postoperative period following combat trauma

Introduction. Paratraumatic eczema (PTE), being a type of microbial eczema, occurs after surgical interventions, chronic wound healing, accompanied by pronounced inflammatory changes with hyperemia, edema, exudation, soreness and itching. Genetic polymorphisms of cytokines and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may be pathogenetic factors in the development of PTE, causing the penetration of microorganisms and violation of the protective properties of the skin barrier. Goal. To study the relationship of polymorphisms rs1800629 of the TNFα gene, rs5743708 of the TLR2 gene, rs3775291 of the TLR3 gene, rs4986790 of the TLR4 gene with the development of paratraumatic eczema in combat trauma victims. Material and methods. The study included 162 patients, of whom 82 showed signs of PTE (comparison group), 80 people had no signs of PTE (control group). Genotyping of polymorphisms was carried out using the polymerase chain reaction method with electrophoretic detection using test systems of NPF Litech (Russia). The Statistica 10 program (StatSoft, Inc., USA) was used for statistical data processing. Results. A connection with the development of PTE with variants of genotypes and alleles of polymorphisms was established: rs1800629 of the TNFα gene (χ2=6.9; p=0.033 and χ2=8.12; p=0.005); rs3775291 of the TLR3 gene (χ2=6.9; p=0.039 and χ2=5.74; p=0.018); rs4986790 of the TLR4 gene (χ2=8.17; p=0.018 and χ2=7.85; p=0.005). The increase in the chances of developing PTE was influenced by: genotypes GA (OR=1.64; 95% CI 0.83–3.24) and AA (OR=2.94; 95% CI 0.9–9.67), allele A (OR=2.13; 95% CI 1.26–3.6) rs1800629 TNFα gene; genotypes CT (OR=1.58; 74% CI 0.93–3.24) and TT (OR=1.79; 95% CI 0.67–4.8), allele T (OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.1–2.8) rs3775291 TLR3 gene; genotypes AG (OR=2.58; 95% CI 1.24–5.37) and GG (OR=3.0; 95% CI 0.31–29.47), allele G (OR=2.44; 95% CI 1.29–4.62) rs4986790 of the TLR4 gene. Conclusions. Polymorphisms rs1800629 of the TNFα gene, rs3775291 of the TLR3 gene, rs4986790 of the TLR4 gene are associated with the development of paratraumatic eczema in combat trauma victims

Genetic Contributions to Recovery following Brain Trauma: A Narrative Review.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequently encountered form of injury that can have lifelong implications. Despite advances in prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment, the degree of recovery can vary widely between patients. Much of this is explained by differences in severity of impact and patient-specific comorbidities; however, even among nearly identical patients, stark disparities can arise. Researchers have looked to genetics in recent years as a means of explaining this phenomenon. It has been hypothesized that individual genetic factors can influence initial inflammatory responses, recovery mechanisms, and overall prognoses. In this review, we focus on cytokine polymorphisms, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes, immune cells, and gene therapy given their associated influx of novel research and magnitude of potential. This discussion is prefaced by a thorough background on TBI pathophysiology to better understand where each mechanism fits within the disease process. Cytokine polymorphisms causing unfavorable regulation of genes encoding IL-1β, IL-RA, and TNF-α have been linked to poor TBI outcomes like disability and death. mtDNA haplotype H has been correlated with deleterious effects on TBI recovery time, whereas haplotypes K, T, and J have been depicted as protective with faster recovery times. Immune cell genetics such as microglial differentially expressed genes (DEGs), monocyte receptor genes, and regulatory factors can be both detrimental and beneficial to TBI recovery. Gene therapy in the form of gene modification, inactivation, and editing show promise in improving post-TBI memory, cognition, and neuromotor function. Limitations of this study include a large proportion of cited literature being focused on pre-clinical murine models. Nevertheless, favorable evidence on the role of genetics in TBI recovery continues to grow. We aim for this work to inform interested parties on the current landscape of research, highlight promising targets for gene therapy, and galvanize translation of findings into clinical trials.

Influence of Cytokine Genetic Polymorphisms in Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastric Inflammation According to Sex in South Korea.

: The relationship between genetic polymorphisms and gastric inflammation remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of genetic polymorphisms on Helicobacter pylori (HP)-associated gastritis according to sex. : Two hundred thirty-two male and 404 female subjects with current HP infection were prospectively enrolled. The genotyping of IL-1B-511 C/T, IL-1RN variable number of tandem repeats, IL-6-572 G/C, IL-8-251 A/T, IL-8-781 C/T, IL-10-1082 G/A, IL-10-592 C/A, TNF-A-308 G/A, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-B-509 C/T, was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The degree of monocyte or neutrophil infiltration, atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia was evaluated using the updated Sydney system. : Among the male subjects, moderate/severe atrophic gastritis of the corpus was higher in IL-1B-511 CC carriers than in CT and TT carriers independent of age, alcohol consumption, and HP virulence factors (26.9% vs 10.4%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 4.377; 95% confidence interval, 1.387 to 13.814). In females, IL-8-251 AA carriers were independently and significantly associated with moderate/severe atrophic gastritis of the corpus compared with that in AT and TT carriers (21.4% vs 6.0%, adjusted HR=3.799). In males, the IL-8-251 TT genotype was associated with moderate/severe intestinal metaplasia of the corpus compared with the AT and AA genotypes (13.4% vs 5.6%, adjusted HR=3.128), while the IL-10-592 CA and CC genotypes were associated with moderate/severe monocyte infiltration of the antrum compared with AA genotype (83.6% vs 71.8%, adjusted HR=2.227). : Genetic polymorphisms in cytokines play different roles in HP-associated gastritis according to sex.

Association of Cytokine IL-17, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12 Gene Polymorphisms in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that involves cytokines in its pathogenesis. This study is aimed at investigating if gene polymorphisms in cytokines like IL-17, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12 affect RA susceptibility and severity in the Bangladeshi population. This was a cross-sectional comparative study that included 40 diagnosed RA patients according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria 2010, who were free from other rheumatological diseases, and 40 healthy subjects for comparison. The study used PCR-RFLP to determine the IL-17, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-12 cytokine gene polymorphisms. Patients had a mean age of 37.22 ± 6.70 years. Among the patients, 31 were female and 9 were male. The mean disease duration was 18.11 ± 7.39 months. The study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients with the IL-17F (7488 A/G) polymorphism with GG genotype (P = 0.006, OR = 8.56, 95% CI = 1.77 - 41.33) and IL-12B (1188 A/C) polymorphism with AC (P = 0.012, OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 1.43 - 9.53) and CC (P = 0.013, OR = 7.58, 95% CI = 1.56 - 36.88) genotypes were significantly associated with disease risk. Furthermore, patients with the IL-17F (7488) GG genotype and IL-12B (1188) AC and CC genotypes had higher rheumatoid arthritis disease severity and activity parameters. The study found no significant association between polymorphisms involving IL-4 (590 C/T) and IL-6 (174 G/C) genes and rheumatoid arthritis disease risk in the Bangladeshi population. Gene polymorphisms in cytokines IL-17F (7488 A/G) and IL-12B (1188 A/C) can predict disease susceptibility and severity in Bangladeshi rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Analysis of Mutational Status of IGHV, and Cytokine Polymorphisms as Prognostic Factors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: The Romanian Experience.

The aim of the current study was to assess the associations between genetic risk factors (such as the mutational status of the IGHV gene and polymorphisms of the IL-10 and TNF-α genes) and CLL risk, prognosis, and overall survival. Another goal of this study was to evaluate the multivariate effect of the combination of multiple genetic risk factors (mutational status of the IGHV gene, somatic mutations, DNA CNVs, and cytokine SNPs) on the clinical characteristics and survival of patients. A total of 125 CLL patients and 239 healthy controls were included for comparative SNP analysis. IL-10 (rs1800896 and rs1800872) and TNF-α (rs361525 and rs1800750) SNPs and haplotypes were not associated with CLL risk. The absence of hypermutation in the IGHV gene was shown to be of important prognostic value, being associated with short OS. Further individual risk factors for short OS were an age above 65 years at diagnosis and the presence of somatic mutations and/or CNVs. In our multivariable analysis, the presence of somatic mutations and the IL-10 rs1800872 variant allele, and the association of CNVs with the IL-10 rs1800896 variant allele, were identified as risk factors for short OS. Moreover, the OS in unmutated IGHV patients was additionally affected (decreased) by the presence of CNVs and/or somatic mutations. Similarly, IL-10 rs1800896 modulated the OS in unmutated IGHV patients with CNVs.

A meta-analysis of the association between inflammatory cytokine polymorphism and neonatal sepsis.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms of inflammatory cytokines and neonatal sepsis through meta-analysis. We collected research literature on the correlation between inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms and neonatal sepsis published before August 2023 through computer searches of databases such as PubMed, Embase, etc. The Stata 14.0 software was utilized for Meta-analysis. To assess heterogeneity, the chi-squared Q-test and I2 statistics were used. The Egger and Begg tests were conducted to determine the possibility of publication bias. After reviewing 1129 articles, 29 relevant articles involving 3348 cases and 5183 controls were included in the study. The meta-analysis conducted on IL-1βrs1143643 polymorphism revealed significant findings: the T allele genotype has a lower risk of neonatal sepsis(P = 0.000, OR = 0.224, 95% CI: 0.168-0.299), while the TC and TT genotypes showed an increased risk(TC: P = 0.000,OR = 4.251, 95% CI: 2.226-8.119; TT: P = 0.019,OR = 2.020, 95% CI: 1.122-3.639). Similarly, newborns with the IL-6-174 CC genotype had a significantly higher risk of sepsis(P = 0.000,OR = 1.591, 95% CI: 1.154-2.194), while those with the IL-8-rs4073 TT (P = 0.003,OR = 0.467, 95% CI: 0.280-0.777)and TT + AA(P = 0.003,OR = 0.497, 95% CI: 0.315-0.785) genotypes had a significantly lower risk of sepsis. For the IL-10-1082 gene, newborns with the AA genotype(P = 0.002,OR = 1.702, 95% CI: 1.218-2.377), as well as those with the AA + GA genotype(P = 0.016,OR = 1.731, 95% CI: 1.108-2.705), had a significantly higher risk of sepsis. Lastly, newborns carrying the TNF-α-308 A allele (P = 0.016,OR = 1.257, 95% CI: 1.044-1.513)or the AA genotype(P = 0.009,OR = 1.913, 95% CI: 1.179-3.10) have a significantly increased risk of sepsis. Notwithstanding, additional studies must be included for validation. Applying these cytokines in clinical practice and integrating them into auxiliary examinations facilitates the early detection of susceptible populations for neonatal sepsis, thereby providing a new diagnostic and therapeutic approach for neonatal sepsis.

Cytokine polymorphisms in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is due to autoantibodies with or without complement activation and involves cellular and cytokine dysregulation. Here, we investigated cytokine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TNF-α, TGF-β1, IL-10, IL-6, and IFN-γ, along with their serum levels. The former were related to hematological parameters, therapy, and clinical outcome. The study included 123 consecutive patients with primary AIHA [77 warm AIHA and 46 cold agglutinin disease (CAD)], followed up for a median of 49 months. Results show that the allelic frequency of TNF-α -308 G/A polymorphisms was significantly lower in patients versus controls. Moreover, the genotypic frequency of TNF-α -308G/A and TGF-β gene codon 25 G/C genotypes was significantly lower in patients versus controls. Considering cytokine SNP genotypes associated with different gene expression levels, TNF-α high gene expression was significantly more frequent in patients, TGF-β and IL-10 high gene expression was higher in patients with more severe anemia, and TGF-β high gene expression was higher in patients with active disease. Considering treatment, TNF-α and TGF-β high gene expression was more frequent in multitreated patients and particularly in CAD. It may be speculated that this genetic predisposition to a stronger inflammatory response may result in a greater immune dysregulation and in a relapsed/refractory disease. Regarding cytokine serum levels, TNF-α and TGF-β were significantly lower, and IL-10 and IL-6 were significantly higher in patients versus controls, underlying the complex interplay between genetic background and disease features.

Genetic Predisposition to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Cytokine Polymorphism and Disease Transmission within Households.

We addressed the question of the influence of the molecular polymorphism of cytokines from different T helper subsets on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. From a cohort of 527 samples (collected from 26 May 2020 to 31 March 2022), we focused on individuals living in the same household (n = 58) with the SARS-CoV-2-infected person. We divided them into households with all individuals SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive (n = 29, households, 61 individuals), households with mixed PCR pattern (n = 24, 62) and negative households (n = 5, 15), respectively. TGF-β1 and IL-6 were the only cytokines tested with a significant difference between the cohorts. We observed a shift toward Th2 and the regulatory Th17 and Treg subset regulation for households with all members infected compared to those without infection. These data indicate that the genetically determined balance between the cytokines acting on different T helper cell subsets may play a pivotal role in transmission of and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Contacts infected by their index persons were more likely to highly express TGF-β1, indicating a reduced inflammatory response. Those not infected after contact had a polymorphism leading to a higher IL-6 expression. IL-6 acts in innate immunity, allergy and on the T helper cell differentiation, explaining the reduced susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.

Investigating polymorphisms in genes encoding TGF-β1, IL-10, and IL-6 and their associations with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Many cytokines play a role in the pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), and gene polymorphisms could possibly contribute to the disease’s genetic predisposition because they can affect cytokine production or function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the gene polymorphisms TGF-β1 (+869T/C), (+915G/C), IL-10 {-1082 G/A), (-819 C/T), and (-592 A/C), and IL-6 (-174 G/C) in hereditary vulnerability to T1D. The Polymerase Chain Reaction with Sequence-Specific Primers (PCR-SSP) was used to analyze the polymorphisms. According to their genotypes, individuals were divided into the low-, high-, or intermediate-producer phenotypes predicted for these cytokines polymorphisms. Our findings revealed that the production of TGF-β1 was significantly higher in control than in T1D participants whereas the IL-6 genotype with low IL-6 production was significantly increased in the cases compared to the control. A significant association was evident between TGF-β1 and IL-6 low production and the incidence of T1D, thereby confirming the importance of TGF-β1 and IL-6 polymorphism as a genetic factor contributing to the incidence of T1D. By contrast, the involvement of IL-10 in the incidence of T1D was not as clear. Although some evidence supports a relationship, no statistically significant association has been verified between IL-10 and T1D. This type of measurement could be beneficial in determining the susceptibility and severity of the T1D condition while also taking into consideration the prediction of T1D incidence.

Polymorphism of cytokine and C-reactive protein genes in patients with psoriasis in the Kemerovo region of Russia

Aim. To study the associations of polymorphisms of IL-1b (rs16944), IL-6 (rs1554606), IL-8 (rs2227306), IL-10 (rs1800896), TNFα (rs361525), CRP (rs1205) genes and their intergenic interactions with the risk of psoriasis development in Kemerovo region residents. Materials and Methods. We examined 170 patients (102 men and 78 women) a clinically established diagnosis of vulgar psoriasis. The average age of patients was 46.2+3.9 years, 165 people (97%) had progressive stage psoriasis. The control group (n=155) included 98 healthy men and 57 women matched by age. Genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes by phenol-chloroform extraction according to the standard protocol was used as material. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the role of intergenic interactions in the development of psoriasis. Conclusion. In patients of the Kemerovo region, vulgar psoriasis is associated with minor homozygous genotypes of polymorphic variants of TNFα (rs361525), IL-1b (rs16944), CRP (rs1205) genes. The minor homozygous TNFα (rs361525) genotype has a high odds ratio and is determinant in the development of this form of psoriasis among all genes studied. The major allele and IL-10 genotype (rs1800896) is a disease modifier and affects the clinical course, particularly the development of inflammatory plaques and papules on the lower and upper extremities of patients.

Cytokine polymorphisms and genotypic susceptibility of HCV infection in ribavirin response to peg interferon.

Immune responses are largely regulated by cytokines. Genetic polymorphisms of the regulatory coding regions are recognized to impact the expression of cytokines. The abnormal cytokine levels in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection seems to be involved in disease progression, viral survival, and therapeutic response. The current study assesses the polymorphisms associated with IL-6, IL-10, IL28B, IFN-γ, TGF-β, and TNF-α on the genotypic susceptibility to HCV infection and Ribavirin response to Peg interferon. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to assess the gene polymorphisms associated with IL-6 A/G (rs2069837), IL-10-1082 G/A (rs1800896)], IL28B C/T (rs12979860), IFN-γ +874 A/T (rs2430561), TGF-β 1-509 C/T (rs1800469) and TNF-α-308 G/A promoter (rs1800629) from stored samples of 200 healthy individuals and 300 HCV infected patients. There was a significant association of AG and AA genotypes of IL28B, IFN-γ, TGF-β1, and TNF-α over HCV susceptibility and treatment outcome. However, no association between IL-6 and IL-10 gene polymorphism to HCV susceptibility response to the treatment. The observations indicate IL28B CT, TGF-β1 CT, TT and TNF- AG with AA genotypes influence the cytokine expression, which is related to susceptibility and resistance to HCV infection and combined antiviral therapy.

Behçet's syndrome: one year in review 2023.

This critical review of studies on Behçet's syndrome published during 2022 includes studies on epidemiology, patients' perspective, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical features and management. Studies on pathogenesis included potential biomarkers mostly related to macrophages, neutrophil and cytokine balance, new GWAS and polymorphism studies, and studies on miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Clinical studies showed that application of pneumococcal vaccine to the prick site increased the sensitivity and specificity of the pathergy test and the prevalence of AA amyloidosis had decreased over the years. Studies on management indicated that more data are needed to understand the effect of apremilast on BS manifestations other than oral ulcers, and new BS manifestations may develop during treatment with infliximab. Other biologics and Jak inhibitors might be an option for patients who are refractory to TNFα inhibitors. Moreover, endovascular repair of arterial aneurysms might be an alternative to open surgery.

Ethnic disparities in the distribution of gene expression modulating polymorphisms in key pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with COVID-19 severities

Ethnic disparities in the distribution of gene expression modulating polymorphisms in key pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with COVID-19 severities