Role of IFN-γ and IL-6 cytokines and their association in determining susceptibility to chronic idiopathic urticaria

Genet Test Mol Biomarkers. 2014 Dec;18(12):804-9. doi: 10.1089/gtmb.2014.0193.

Abstract

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) is a common skin disorder, which may occur spontaneously. The aim of the present study was to assess the serum levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-6 and to examine the association of IFN-γ+874 T/A and IL-6-174 G/C cytokine gene polymorphisms. To accomplish this, ELISA-based cytokine serum levels of IFN-γ (n=30) and IL-6 (n=30) in CIU patients (n=100) and Healthy Controls (HC) (n=200) were performed. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) was performed to verify the positional significance. A significant (p<0.0001) increase in the serum cytokine levels of IFN-γ and IL-6 was recorded in CIU patients compared to HC. The AT and TT genotypes of IFN-γ and GG genotype of IL-6 were found to be significantly associated with CIU. In conclusion, our findings show a significant increase in the cytokine levels of IFN-γ and IL-6, highlighting their regulatory role in the development of disease. In addition to this, association studies have revealed that TT genotype of IFN-γ +874 T/A and GG genotype of IL-6-174 G/C were susceptible towards the CIU.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genotype*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma* / blood
  • Interferon-gamma* / genetics
  • Interleukin-6* / blood
  • Interleukin-6* / genetics
  • Male
  • Urticaria / blood*
  • Urticaria / genetics*
  • Urticaria / pathology

Substances

  • IFNG protein, human
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interferon-gamma