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Published on: November 30, 2016
Proinflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms in irritable bowel syndrome
Elham Barkhordari1, Nima Rezaei, Bita Ansaripour
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Genetic variations in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) genes are linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These proinflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms may influence IBS susceptibility and disease development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
- Proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in intestinal inflammation, with their production influenced by genetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific gene polymorphisms of proinflammatory cytokines and IBS.
- To analyze genotype frequencies of IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1 group genes in IBS patients compared to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers to amplify cytokine genes.
- Analyzed alleles and genotypes of 71 IBS patients and compared them with a healthy control group using gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher frequencies of IL-1R C, IL-6 G, and TNF-alpha G alleles were observed in IBS patients.
- Overrepresentation of IL-6 GG and TNF-alpha GG genotypes and GG haplotypes in IBS patients, with decreased frequencies of CG and GA genotypes/haplotypes.
Conclusions:
- Polymorphisms in IL-6 and TNF-alpha genes are associated with altered susceptibility to IBS.
- These genetic variations may play a role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome.
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