Interleukin-17 gene polymorphisms in patients with post-transplant diabetes mellitus

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication after organ transplantation which leads to impaired graft function. Various factors may increase the risk of the development of PTDM. It has been reported that cytokines and genetic variations of inflammatory cytokines were associated with glucose homeostasis or diabetes. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17, which is produced by T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, has been reported to be involved in the glucose metabolism and pathogenesis of diabetes via the induction of low-grade inflammation. The aim of this study was to examine the association between polymorphisms in the IL17A (rs2275913) and IL17F (rs11465553, rs2397084, rs763780) genes with post-transplant diabetes mellitus.

The study included 169 patients of Caucasian origin who received kidney transplants. For the purpose of the study, the patients were subdivided into two subgroups: patients with PTDM (n = 23) and patients without PTDM (n = 146). Standard immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids.

Post-transplant diabetes was diagnosed in 10.97% of the carriers of the IL17F rs763780 TT genotype and 42.86% of those with the TC genotype (TC vs TT: OR = 6.09, 95% CI 1.89-19.66, p = 0.0048). In multivariate analysis, older recipient age and the presence of the TC genotype were independent significant predictors of higher risk of post-transplant diabetes.

The results of this study suggest an association between the IL17F rs763780 polymorphism and post-transplant diabetes.