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IL-1 alpha (-889) promoter polymorphism is a risk factor for osteomyelitis
Víctor Asensi1, Victoria Alvarez, Eulalia Valle
1Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo University Medical School, Oviedo, Spain. vasensia@medynet.com
American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part A
|May 16, 2003
Summary
This study found a link between specific gene variations in interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) and adult osteomyelitis (OM). The IL-1α TT genotype was more common in OM patients, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition to this bone infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Bone Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Osteomyelitis (OM) involves inflammatory cytokines, with IL-1 mediating bone resorption.
- Genetic variations in cytokine genes may influence susceptibility to OM.
- Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α) plays a role in bone metabolism and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between common polymorphisms in proinflammatory cytokine genes (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and adult osteomyelitis (OM).
- To determine if specific genotypes correlate with OM development or patient characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of IL-1α (-889), IL-1β (+3953), IL-6, and TNF-α polymorphisms in 52 adult OM patients and 109 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis including chi-squared tests and odds ratios to assess genotype frequencies and associations.
- Measurement of serum IL-1α levels in patients and controls.
Main Results:
- The IL-1α (-889) TT genotype was significantly more frequent in OM patients (25.0%) compared to controls (8.3%) (P = 0.0081, OR = 3.7).
- Patients with the IL-1α TT genotype were younger (mean age 35.7 years) than other OM patients.
- The IL-1β TT (+3953) polymorphism was also more frequent in OM patients (P = 0.014), but in linkage disequilibrium with IL-1α *T.
- No association was found with IL-6 or TNF-α polymorphisms.
- Serum IL-1α levels were elevated in all OM patients regardless of genotype.
Conclusions:
- Specific polymorphisms in the IL-1α gene are associated with an increased risk of adult osteomyelitis (OM).
- The IL-1α TT genotype may be a risk factor for developing OM, particularly in younger individuals.
- While serum IL-1α levels are elevated in OM, the -889 polymorphism's direct impact on these levels requires further investigation at the infection site.