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Association between the interleukin-4, interleukin-13 polymorphisms and asthma: a meta-analysis
Zhen-Dong Wang1, Duan Lian, Jing-Ling Shen
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, 194 Xuefu Road, Nangang, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
Molecular Biology Reports
|October 17, 2012
Summary
Genetic variations in Interleukin 4 (IL-4) and Interleukin 13 (IL-13) genes are linked to asthma susceptibility. This meta-analysis confirms associations between specific IL-4 and IL-13 gene polymorphisms and increased asthma risk.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Polymorphisms in Interleukin 4 (IL-4) and Interleukin 13 (IL-13) genes have been implicated in asthma susceptibility.
- Previous studies reported inconsistent and inconclusive findings regarding these genetic associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of case-control genetic association studies.
- To assess the combined evidence for an association between IL-4 and IL-13 gene polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility using a model-free approach.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was performed on 30 case-control studies.
- Included data from 12,781 asthma cases and 11,500 controls.
- Analyzed polymorphisms: IL-4 C-33T, IL-4 C-589T, IL-13 C-1112T, and IL-13 G+2044A.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between IL-4 C-33T (P=0.006), IL-4 C-589T (P=0.04), IL-13 C-1112T (P=0.002), and IL-13 G+2044A (P=0.04) and asthma susceptibility.
- Subgroup analyses indicated IL-4 C-589T and IL-13 C-1112T polymorphisms are not associated with atopic asthma.
- In Caucasians, IL-4 -589T (P=0.003) and IL-13 -1112T (P<0.00001) alleles were associated with asthma, but not IL-13 +2044A.
Conclusions:
- Specific polymorphisms in IL-4 (C-33T, C-589T) and IL-13 (C-1112T, G+2044A) genes are associated with asthma susceptibility.
- These SNPs could be considered potential markers for asthma risk.
- Further large-scale studies and meta-analyses are warranted to confirm these findings.
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