Interleukin-1 Beta Gene Polymorphism Research Articles

Association of Interleukin-1 Beta and Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Gene Polymorphisms and Plasma Levels with Diabetic Nephropathy.

Objective We investigated the relationships between interleukin- (IL-) 1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene polymorphism and plasma levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods The genotype and allele frequency distribution of IL-1β and IL-1Ra in 61 patients with DN and 48 healthy controls (HCs) were determined by kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP), and the plasma concentrations of IL-1β and IL-1Ra in DN patients and HCs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results Significant differences were detected in the distribution of IL-1β (−511C/T) genotype and allele frequencies between the DN and HC groups (P < 0.05), with the T genotype being more frequent in DN patients than HCs (OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.489–5.416). The IL-1β (+3953C/T) and IL-1Ra (+8006C/T) genotypes and allele frequencies were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The plasma IL-1β level was significantly higher (P < 0.01), while the plasma IL-1Ra concentration was significantly lower in the DN group than the HC group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the plasma IL-1β level was significantly different between IL-1β (−511C/T) locus variants (P < 0.05). Conclusion The IL-1β (−511C/T) gene polymorphism was significantly associated with DN risk in the population of northern Guangxi, China, and the T allele maybe responsible for genetic susceptibility to DN.

Interleukin-1 beta gene polymorphisms in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Background/Aim: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has been linked to a genetic background. Although there are conflicting results, it has been suggested that cytokines play a role in FMS etiology. Interleukin (IL)1β is a cytokine that has been linked to FMS symptoms and has been detected in the skin of FMS patients. We aimed to determine the possible relationship between IL1β -31 and IL1β -511 polymorphisms in FMS. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included patients who were diagnosed with FMS according to the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. IL1β -31 (rs 1143627) and IL1β -511 (rs 16944) polymorphism genotyping was conducted in FMS patients (n=33) and healthy controls (n=41) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: IL1β -511 variations in patients with FMS and control groups were significantly different (P=0.010). The frequency of the IL1β -511 heterozygote AG genotype was significantly higher in controls (P=0.028). Additionally, the frequency of the IL1β -511 wild type A allele was significantly higher in the control group (P=0.003). The IL1β -31 genotypes and allele frequencies were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: The IL1β -511 wild type A allele could be a risk-reducing factor for FMS. The present study suggests that genetic variations of the IL1β gene could play an important role in FMS etiology.

Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism in pediatric patients with Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis.

The severity of Helicobacter pylori infection is determined by the interplay between bacterial virulence, host genetic and environmental factors. This study aimed to identify interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) gene polymorphisms and their associations with H. pylori infection, and severity of chronic gastritis in Egyptian children. A case control study was conducted on 100 children (50 H. pylori positive and 50 controls). Genotyping of IL-1β-31 gene was done by PCR-CTPP (confronting two-pair primers), of IL-1β-511 was performed using allele specific PCR, and investigation of the variable number tandem repeat polymorphism of the IL-1RN gene was done by PCR. The genotype C/T of IL1β-511 was the predominant genotype (36/50; 72%) among H. pylori positive cases (p ≤ 0.001). The presence of C/T genotype at position 511 of IL1β was associated with increased risk of infection with H. pylori (p ≤ 0.001, odds ratio = 6.612) and with more severe disease (p = 0.004, odds ratio = 8.333). No association of IL-1β-31 or IL-1RN gene polymorphisms with H. pylori infection or with risk of severe gastric diseases was found. Children who carry two polymorphisms are almost four times at risk for development of H. pylori infection (p = 0.026, odds ratio = 3.937). Polymorphism at position -511 of IL1β gene is associated with increased risk of H. pylori infection as well as of severe corpus gastric disease in Egyptian children. This population should be considered a high-risk group, which needs regular gastric endoscopic surveillance, and should be target for H. pylori eradication. Lay summaryThe genotype C/T of IL1β-511 gene was the predominant genotype (36/50; 72%) among H. pylori positive children. Polymorphism at position -511 of IL1β gene is associated with increased risk of Helicobacter pylori infection as well as of severe corpus gastric disease in Egyptian children. No association of IL-1β-31 or IL-1RN gene polymorphisms with H. pylori infection or with risk of severe gastric diseases in Egyptian children.

Relationship between common interleukin 1-beta gene polymorphisms and the risk of gestational disorders: An updated meta-analysis.

Background: To quantitatively estimate the relationship between IL‐1β -511C>T, −31T>C, and +3954C>T polymorphisms and risk of gestational disorders. Methods: In this meta-analysis, eligible publications were searched in Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases (updated April 2020), using appropriate or relevant keywords. Case-control population-based reports were included if provided with genotypic frequencies of both studied groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the MetaGenyo web tool software, where a P value less than 0.05 indicated a significant association. For the assessment of between-study variations, heterogeneity analysis was applied with the I2 statistics. Results: A total of thirteen studies were included. We observed a significant association between IL‐1β−31T>C polymorphism and reduced risk of gestational disorders under codominant CT vs. CC [OR= 0.74, CI (0.59-0.92)], and dominant CT+TT vs. CC [OR= 0.74, CI (0.60-0.91)] contrasted genetic models. The stratified analysis considering the disease type showed that the 511C>T variant, under the recessive CC vs. CT+TT model, enhanced the risk of preterm birth by 1.29 fold. Conclusion: Our results failed to support an association between two IL‐1β polymorphisms, 511C>T and +3954C>T, with the overall risk of gestational disorders. In contrast, the 31T>C variant reduced the incidence of such diseases. Further studies are encouraged to get more precise estimates of effect sizes.

Relationship between common interleukin 1-beta gene polymorphisms and the risk of gestational disorders: An updated meta-analysis

Relationship between common interleukin 1-beta gene polymorphisms and the risk of gestational disorders: An updated meta-analysis

The relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus and interleukin 1beta gene polymorphisms in southwest of China.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a kind of chronic inflammatory condition with carbohydrate metabolism disorder. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) plays an important role in inflammatory response, but its role in GDM development remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between Interleukin 1beta (IL1B) rs1143623 and rs16944 polymorphisms and susceptibility to GDM.In total, 300 pregnant women with GDM and 261 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. In both groups, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1143623 and rs16944 were analyzed by using snapshot technology. IL-1β serum values were determined by ELISA.Serum IL-1β levels involvement in GDM development. According to the results, we found the association between the IL1B rs1143623 polymorphism and susceptibility to GDM. In further analysis, IL1B rs1143623 GG genotype had a higher level of total cholesterol (TCHO) and lower level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in GDM patients compared with the CC/GC genotypes. However, there were no statistically significant difference between the GDM and healthy control groups in terms of rs16944 polymorphism.Our results indicated that rs1143623 in IL1B gene may lead to GDM in the southwest of china. However, no significant difference was found between GDM and rs16944. The rs1143623 genotype may significantly impact the fat metabolism, especially the levels of TCHO and HDL. We believe that our findings will contribute to understanding of the etiology and possible novel prognostic markers for GDM.

Association of the IL-1B rs1143623 Polymorphism and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis.

Aim: To derive a more precise association between the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B) gene polymorphism rs1143623 and cancer risk. Methods: Published case-control studies up to November 5, 2019, that met all inclusion criteria were identified using PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to estimate the strength of associations using multiple genetic models. Sensitivity analyses and publication biases were also performed. Results: Nine articles covering 11 case-control studies, with 4801 cases and 6116 controls, were included in this meta-analysis. No significant association between the IL-1B rs1143623 polymorphism and cancer risk was observed under the homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, recessive, or allelic genetic models (all p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that the IL-1B rs1143623 polymorphism may decrease the risk of cancer in Asians under the heterozygous and dominant genetic models (both p < 0.05). Sensitivity analyses showed that none of the individual studies significantly affected the overall results. No significant publication biases were detected in this meta-analysis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is no significant association between the IL-1B rs1143623 polymorphism and cancer risk in the overall human population, but that it may provide a protective affect among Asians.

Association of Interleukin-1β-31C/T, -511T/C and -3954C/T Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Their Blood Plasma Level in Acquired Aplastic Anemia.

Aplastic anemia (AA) is an immune-mediated disorder in which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are targeted by a number of cellular and molecular pathways. This case control study aims to investigate the association of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) gene polymorphisms, (IL-1β-31, IL-1β-511 and IL-1β-3954) and their plasma levels with acquired AA. Genotyping was done by Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and IL-1β plasma levels were evaluated in peripheral blood using ELISA. Increased level of IL-1β was reported to be significant in cases as compared to controls. The susceptibility of developing AA was higher in the cases for IL-1β-3954 genotype. IL-1β-511 genotype showed significant association with the severity groups of AA. No significant association was noticed in responder versus non-responder group. Plasma level of IL-1β gene was found to be significantly higher in severe and very-severe group of AA versus control group. Our findings suggest that IL-1β gene and its genotypes might be involved in the pathophysiology of AA and play a central role in the etiopathogenesis of AA.

Interleukin-1beta gene polymorphism profile and its relationship with idiopathic generalized epilepsies in Balinese children

Interleukin-1beta gene polymorphism profile and its relationship with idiopathic generalized epilepsies in Balinese children

Influence of interleukin-1 beta gene polymorphism and childhood maltreatment on antidepressant treatment

To explore the influence of interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) gene polymorphism and childhood maltreatment on antidepressant treatment. Two hundred and four patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have received treatment with single antidepressant drugs and were followed up for 8 weeks. Hamilton depression scale-17 (HAMD-17) was used to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms and therapeutic effect. Childhood maltreatment was assessed using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, a 28-item Short Form (CTQ-SF). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the IL1B gene was determined using a SNaPshot method. Correlation of rs16944 gene polymorphism with response to treatment was analyzed using Unphased 3.0.13 software. The main and interactive effects of SNP and childhood maltreatment on the antidepressant treatment were analyzed using Logistic regression analysis. No significant difference of gender, age, year of education, family history, episode time, and antidepressant agents was detected between the remitters and non-remitters. Association analysis has found that the SNP rs16944 in the IL1B AA genotype carriers antidepressant response was poorer (χ2=3.931, P=0.047). No significant difference was detected in the CTQ scores between the two groups. Genetic and environmental interaction analysis has demonstrated a significant correlation between rs16944 AA genotype and childhood maltreatment and poorer response to antidepressant treatment. The SNP rs16944 in the IL1B gene and its interaction with childhood maltreatment may influence the effect of antidepressant treatment for patients with MDD.

Genetic polymorphisms of interleukin-1 beta and osteosarcoma risk.

Osteosarcoma is the most common childhood bone cancer. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B) is crucially involved in osteosarcoma carcinogenesis. Whether genetic polymorphisms of IL-1B also influence osteosarcoma risk is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IL-1B gene polymorphisms and osteosarcoma risk in Chinese Han patients. A hospital-based case-control study involving 120 osteosarcoma patients and 120 controls was conducted. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was performed to detect three IL-1B gene polymorphisms (-31 T/C, -511 C/T and +3954 C/T) in these patients. Patients with osteosarcoma had a significantly lower frequency of -31 CC genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.17-0.92; P = 0.03] and -31 C allele (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.46-0.99; P = 0.04) than controls. Patients with osteosarcoma had a significantly lower frequency of -511 TT genotype (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.17-0.95; P = 0.04) than controls. The +3954 C/T gene polymorphisms were not associated with a risk of osteosarcoma. When stratified by Enneking stage, tumour location, histological type, tumour metastasis of osteosarcoma and family history of cancer, no statistically significant results were found. This is the first study to provide evidence for an association of IL-1B gene polymorphisms with osteosarcoma risk.

Possible association of interleukin-1beta (-511C/T) and interleukin-6 (-174G/C) gene polymorphisms with atherosclerosis in end stage renal disease Egyptian patients on maintenance haemodialysis

In end stage renal disease, inflammation is considered a critical regulator of atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression, to which many dialysis and non-dialysis-related factors may contribute. Since circulating inflammatory cytokine levels vary inter-individually, one may speculate that genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in genes encoding them, may be involved in determining the individual inflammatory reaction in response to a given insult. The present work aimed to study interleukin-1B (-511C/T), and interleukin-6 (-174G/C) gene polymorphisms and their possible association with atherosclerosis in Egyptian patients with end stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis. The present study was conducted on 100 Egyptian subjects, the control group (n=30) and the patient group (n=70) with end stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis which were further subdivided into two subgroups with (n=33) and without atherosclerosis (n=37) as evidenced by CIMT, ECG ischaemic changes, cerebrovascular insufficiency (CVI), and peripheral vascular insufficiency (PVI). All studied subjects were subjected to detailed history taking, routine laboratory investigations and molecular studies including detection of IL-1B (-511C/T) and IL-6 (-174G/C) gene polymorphisms using the Polymerase chain reaction/Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) technique. The genotype distribution and allele frequency of IL-1B (-511C/T) and IL-6 (-174G/C) showed no statistical significant difference among the studied groups. To conclude the development of atherosclerosis among Egyptian patients on maintenance haemodialysis cannot be attributed to these two gene polymorphisms.

The Contribution of SAA1 Polymorphisms to Familial Mediterranean Fever Susceptibility in the Japanese Population

Background/AimsFamilial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) has traditionally been considered to be an autosomal-recessive disease, however, it has been observed that substantial numbers of patients with FMF possess only 1 demonstrable MEFV mutation. The clinical profile of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) may be influenced by MEFV allelic heterogeneity and other genetic and/or environmental factors.Methodology/Principal FindingsIn view of the inflammatory nature of FMF, we investigated whether serum amyloid A (SAA) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) gene polymorphisms may affect the susceptibility of Japanese patients with FMF. The genotypes of the -13C/T SNP in the 5′-flanking region of the SAA1 gene and the two SNPs within exon 3 of SAA1 (2995C/T and 3010C/T polymorphisms) were determined in 83 Japanese patients with FMF and 200 healthy controls. The same samples were genotyped for IL-1β-511 (C/T) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms. There were no significant differences between FMF patients and healthy subjects in the genotypic distribution of IL-1β -511 (C/T), IL-1Ra VNTR and SAA2 polymorphisms. The frequencies of SAA1.1 allele were significantly lower (21.7% versus 34.0%), and inversely the frequencies of SAA1.3 allele were higher (48.8% versus 37.5%) in FMF patients compared with healthy subjects. The frequency of -13T alleles, associated with the SAA1.3 allele in the Japanese population, was significantly higher (56.0% versus 41.0%, p = 0.001) in FMF patients compared with healthy subjects.Conclusions/SignificanceOur data indicate that SAA1 gene polymorphisms, consisting of -13T/C SNP in the 5′-flanking region and SNPs within exon 3 (2995C/T and 3010C/T polymorphisms) of SAA1 gene, are associated with susceptibility to FMF in the Japanese population.

Interleukin-1 beta gene polymorphisms and preterm birth

To investigate the association between two genetic variations in the Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) gene and preterm birth. In this case-control study we tested the allelic distribution of two of its common polymorphisms (IL1B +3953C>T [rs1143634], IL1B -511C>T [rs16944]) in one hundred women with preterm birth and one hundred healthy women with at least one uncomplicated full term pregnancy and no history of preterm birth. A significant association was found between the presence of the IL1B +3953C>T polymorphism and preterm birth (p=0.049, OR 0.6 [0.3-1.0]). No significant association was found between the IL1B -511C>T polymorphism and preterm birth (p=0.471, OR 1.3 [0.7-2.3]). Our findings suggest that the IL1B +3953C>T polymorphism is associated with a risk reduction for preterm birth in Caucasian women, possibly by altering the inflammatory response during pregnancy.

Interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 gene polymorphism associations with angiographically assessed coronary artery disease in Brazilians

The inflammatory process has been considered an important mediator for the development of atherosclerosis. Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) is a precursor of interleukin-6 (IL6) in the acute phase of inflammatory response and their levels are elevated in patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the association of IL-1B and IL-6 gene polymorphisms and angiographically assessed coronary artery disease (CAD) in African- and Caucasian-Brazilians. This report analyzed the IL-1B-511C>T and IL-6-174G>C polymorphisms in 667 patients (253 African-Brazilians and 414 Caucasian-Brazilians) who underwent coronary angiography. Patients with a coronary obstructive lesion ⩾50% presented a higher frequency of the IL-1B-511CC genotype (30.4%) compared to lesion-free individuals (16.5%, p = 0.032) in African- but not in Caucasian-Brazilians. No significant genotype frequency difference was identified for the IL-6- 174G>C polymorphism in either ethnic groups. However, after correction for other CAD risk factors using multivariate logistic regression, both the IL-1B-511CC [Odds ratio (OR) = 2.3; p = 0.019] and the IL-6-174GG (OR = 2.0; p = 0.028) genotypes were considered independent CAD risk predictors in African-Brazilians. This report shows that the IL-1B-511C>T and IL-6- 174G>C polymorphisms were associated with CAD risk in African-Brazilians and no association was detected among Caucasian-Brazilians.

Association of interleukin 1beta gene (+3953) polymorphism and severity of endometriosis in Turkish women

Endometriosis is regarded as a complex trait, in which genetic and environmental factors contribute to the disease phenotype. We investigated whether the interleukin (IL) 1beta (+3953) polymorphism is associated with the severity of endometriosis. Diagnosis of endometriosis was made on the basis of laparoscopic findings. Stage of endometriosis was determined according to the Revised American Fertility Society classification. 118 women were enrolled in the study. 78 women did not have endometriosis, 6 women had stage I, 3 had stage II, 13 had stage III and 18 had stage IV endometriosis. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and agarose gel electrophoresis techniques were used to determine the IL 1beta (+3953) genotype. Frequencies of the IL-1beta (+3953) genotypes in the control group were: CC, 0.397; TT, 0.115; CT, 0.487. Frequencies of the IL-1beta (+3953) genotypes in cases were: CC, 0.375; TT, 0.225; CT, 0.400. We found a 2.22 fold increase in TT genotype in the endometriosis group. However, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). We also observed an increase in the frequency of IL-1beta (+3953) T allele in the endometriosis group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. We also investigated the association between IL-1beta (+3953) polymorphism and the severity of endometriosis. The frequencies of CC+CT genotypes in stage I, III and IV endometriosis patients were 83.3, 84/6 and 72.2%, respectively; and TT genotypes were 16.7, 15.4 and 27.8%, respectively. We observed a statistically insignificant increase in TT genotype in stage IV endometriosis (P > 0.05). We suggest that IL-1beta (+3953) polymorphism is not associated with endometriosis in Turkish women.

Interleukin-1 beta gene polymorphisms and variation in whole genomic expression profiles of chronic atrophic gastritis

Objective To investigate the whole genomic expression profiles of chronic atrophic gastritis with interleukin(IL)-1β-31CC/-511TT genotype as measured by oligonucleotide microarray technique.Methods Genomic RNA was extracted from gastric biopsies of 12 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis(6 with IL-1β-31CC/-511TT and 6 with IL-1β-31TT/-511CC).The genomic profiles of IL-1β gene polymorphisms 31CC/-511TT and 31TT/-511CC were compared and tested for differential expressed genes associated with 31CC/-511TT using Agilent human whole genomic oligonucleotide microarrays.The results were further analyzed in terms of gene ontology(GO).Results There were 200 differentially expressed genes associated with IL-1β-31CC/-511TT,159 of which were up-regulated and 41 were down-regulated.These genes mainly involved in macromolecule metabolic process,post-translational protein modification,ubiquitin cycle,and protein kinase cascade.Five genes had biological activities,one of which was down-regulated gene(PCSK5)and 4 were upregulated genes(PRKCA,NPLOC4,TRIB3 and MAPKAPK3).Conclusions The chronic atrophic gastritis with IL-1β-31CC/-511TT genotype has molecular phenotypes which is associated with malignance and inflammation.These individuals are needed more intensive preemptive treatment and dynamic surveillance. Key words: Chronic atrophy gastritis; Interleukin-1 beta; Single nucleotide polymorphism Gene expression profile

Association study of the interleukin-1 gene complex and tumor necrosis factor alpha gene with suicide attempts

To investigate the association between four functional polymorphisms in interleukin-1 (IL-1) [IL-1 alpha -889 C/T, IL-1 beta +3953 C/T, IL-1RA (86 bp)n] and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) (-308A/G) genes and suicide attempts. Distribution of the aforesaid polymorphisms was analyzed in 193 suicide attempters compared with 420 unrelated healthy controls from Asturias (Northern Spain). Genotypes were determined using standard methods. No significant differences were found in genotype or in allelic distribution of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-1RA, or TNFalpha gene polymorphisms. No relationship was found between genotypes and the impulsivity of the suicide attempt. Estimated IL-1 haplotype frequencies were similar in both groups (likelihood ratio test=13.26, df=14, P=0.506). Our data do not suggest that genetically determined changes in the IL-1 or TNFalpha genes confer increased susceptibility to suicidal behavior.

Analysis of the association of allelic variants of apolypoprotein E and interleukin 1 beta genes with multiple sclerosis in ethnic Tatars

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease of the central nervous system. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) and interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) genes are considered to be candidate genes of MS. The aim of the study was to examine the hypothesis of the importance of APOE and IL1B gene polymorphisms in MS development in ethnic Tatars. DNA samples isolated by phenol-chloroform extraction from peripheral blood of 383 ethnic Tatars (120 MS patients and 263 healthy donors) were studied. 112C/R and 158R/C APOE gene polymorphisms as well as -511T/C IL1B gene polymorphism were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by PCR product digestion by endonuclease. Odds ratio (OR) values were used for evaluation of the relative risk of alleles and(or) genotype combinations. It has been shown that APOE*2/*3 genotype is associated with low risk of the disease development (OR = 0.20) in women. A combined effect of APOE and IL1B allelic variants has been discovered indicating the increased risk of the disease development in the carriers of APOE*4 and IL1B*T/*T alleles (OR = 4.76).

Interleukin-1 Beta Gene Polymorphism and Traditional Constitution in Obese Women

In adipose tissue metabolism, cytokines were major regulators. mRNA expression studies show that adipocytes can synthesize both tumor necrosis factor-alpha and several interleukins (ILs), notably IL-1 beta (IL-1β) and IL-6. In particular, IL-1β expression is under strong genetic control. We examined the relationship among obesity, polymorphism of the IL-1β at position +3953 in exon 5, and Sasang constitution. In a group of 181 healthy females with a marked variation in body mass index (BMI), we determined the genotype of IL-1β by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays. A significant decrease was found for the IL-1β T allele in the overweight group (BMI 25 ∼ 29 kg/m2) compared with the lean group with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 (P = .049, odds ratio [OR] = 0.296). Carriers of T allele in the heterozygous or homozygous form did not show a significant difference in physical and clinical characteristics. In addition, in Taeumin female subjects, the frequency of IL-1β T allele was apparently decreased in the overweight group (BMI 25 ∼ 29 kg/m2) compared with the lean group with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 (P = .007, OR = 0.152). In overweight women, we found an association between the +3953 C/T polymorphism in the IL-1β gene and BMI. In addition, we found an association among IL-1β polymorphism, obesity, and Sasang constitution.