Associations between Polymorphisms of Interleukin-6 and Liver Damage Markers in Japanese Cohort

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by a team of scientists at Nagoya University investigated the relationship between polymorphisms in cytokine genes and liver damage markers in a large Japanese cohort study. The aim of the study was to examine associations between common polymorphisms in potential functional promoters of cytokine genes and liver damage markers. The researchers genotyped six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter regions of five cytokine genes, including IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10, and TNFA, and analyzed the data to identify any associations with liver damage markers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 3257 Japanese individuals, 1608 men and 1649 women, aged 35-69 years.
  • The researchers found a strong association between the IL6 polymorphism (rs1800796, C-634G) and liver damage marker, aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
  • Mean serum AST was significantly different among the three genotypes, with a difference of 243 IU/L between the GG and CC genotypes.
  • The association remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders by general linear models.
  • The variations in mean serum AST and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were marked especially among men.
  • The functional polymorphism IL6C-634G may affect serum AST and ALT levels, possibly through different IL-6 production.

Statistics:

  • 3257 Japanese individuals were included in the study.
  • 1608 men and 1649 women were enrolled in the study.
  • The mean serum AST was 22.7 +/- 73 IU/L for CC, 22.8 +/- 7.7 IU/L for CG, and 243 +/- 8.6 IU/L for GG respectively.
  • The difference in mean serum AST between GG and CC genotypes was 243 IU/L (p = 0.011 by analysis of variance).
  • The association between IL6 polymorphism and liver damage marker remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders (p < 0.05).

Sources:

  • Associations between polymorphisms of interleukin-6 and related cytokine genes and serum liver damage markers: a cross-sectional study in the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study. Gene, 2015;557(2):158-162.
  • Elsevier Science Bv, PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Gene - www.elsevier.com/wps/product/cws_home/506033)
  • Y. Sugimoto, Nagoya University, Grad Sch Med, Dept. of Healthcare Adm, Nagoya, Aichi 4668550, Japan.