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Diseases

Associations Between IL-13 Gene Polymorphism (rs20541) and Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research from Sunway University has associated a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the interleukin-13 (IL-13) gene, rs20541, with multiple chronic inflammatory diseases. While rs20541 has been linked to various immune-related conditions, its precise functional relevance in disease pathogenesis remains unclear. A meta-analysis of 45 case-control studies revealed consistent associations between rs20541 and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs), as well as reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), psoriasis, cancer, and glioma. These findings suggest that IL-13 rs20541 may exert context-dependent effects, either through direct IgE-dependent or indirect regulatory mechanisms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IL-13 gene polymorphism (rs20541) was associated with higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) [1.17 (1.03-1.32)] and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [0.87 (0.75-1.00)].
  • Protective associations for psoriasis and glioma were observed across multiple genetic contrasts.
  • The A allele of rs20541 was significantly associated with higher risk of COPDs but reduced risk of CVDs, psoriasis, overall cancer, and glioma.
  • Subgroup analysis and meta-regression identified sources of between-study heterogeneity, including ethnicity, age, gender, and sample size.
  • The meta-analysis suggests that IL-13 rs20541 is a key immunogenetic variant exerting context-dependent effects across chronic inflammatory diseases.

Statistics:

  • 45 case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis.
  • 16,045 cases and 23,312 controls were categorized into four major groups: atopic, cardiopulmonary, and autoimmune diseases, as well as cancer and tumor.
  • rs20541 was significantly associated with higher risk of COPDs [1.17 (1.03-1.32)].
  • rs20541 was associated with reduced risk of CVDs [0.87 (0.75-1.00)], psoriasis, overall cancer, and glioma.
  • The A allele of rs20541 was significantly associated with higher risk of COPDs but reduced risk of CVDs, psoriasis, overall cancer, and glioma.

Sources:

  • [Association of IL-13 Gene Polymorphism (rs20541) With Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis]. International Journal of Immunogenetics, 2025.
  • [Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA]. (Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/; International Journal of Immunogenetics - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1744-313X)
  • [Sunway University, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Sir Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School, Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia].
  • [NewsRx. New Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Study Findings Have Been Reported by Researchers at Sunway University [Association of IL-13 Gene Polymorphism (rs20541) With Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis]. Cancer Weekly. October 14, 2025; p 1643.

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