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Genetic Variants Linked to Infection Risk in Children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study by researchers in Germany found a link between genetic variants in the interleukin-6 (IL6) and chitotriosidase (CHIT) genes and the risk of infection in children undergoing therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study, published in Leukemia, analyzed a population of 168 North European Caucasian children and identified a significant association between the G allele in the IL6 promoter at -174 bp and the risk of infection. The researchers also found that the H allele of CHIT disrupted both function and circulating levels, increasing the risk of infection.

Key Takeaways:

  • Genetic variants in the IL6 and CHIT genes were associated with the risk of infection in children with AML, with the G allele in the IL6 promoter at -174 bp and the H allele of CHIT increasing the risk of Gram-negative bacterial infection.
  • The study population consisted of 168 North European Caucasian children enrolled on the clinical trial AML-BFM 93.
  • The risk of infection was significantly higher in children with the G allele in the IL6 promoter at -174 bp (p=.026) and in patients with the H allele of CHIT (p=.033).
  • The promoter variant in IL6 has been shown to increase expression, while the H allele disrupts both function and circulating levels.
  • Follow-up studies, including replication association studies and in vitro investigation of these common polymorphisms, are warranted to confirm these observations.

Statistics:

  • 168 North European Caucasian children were enrolled in the study.
  • The study found a significant association between the G allele in the IL6 promoter at -174 bp and the risk of infection (p=.026).
  • The H allele of CHIT was also associated with an increased risk of infection (p=.033).
  • The influence of the IL6 promoter variant was shown to increase expression.
  • Chitotriosidase levels were disrupted by the H allele, leading to an increased risk of infection.

Sources:

  • Lehrnbecher, T., et al. (2005). Common genetic variants in the interleukin-6 and chitotriosidase genes are associated with the risk for serious infection in children undergoing therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia, 19(10), 1745-1750.
  • Health & Medicine Week editors (2005). Genetic variants linked to infection risk in children with AML.

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