Association of the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Genes Encoding IL-2 and IFN-γ With Febrile Seizure

Inflammatory elements and genetics have major roles in febrile seizures (FS) pathogenesis. Seventy patients were enrolled and compared with 139 controls. The allele and genotype frequency of the IL-2 gene at -330 and +166 positions and the IFN-γ at +874 position were determined. A significant positive association with GG genotype at position -330 in the patient group was found (P=0.003). Further, a positive association was detected in simple and complex FS groups at the same position (P=0.03, P=0.004). IL-2 GT haplotype was significantly more common in the patients compared to controls (P=0.0008). Higher frequency of GT haplotype was detected in simple FS patients in comparison to controls (P=0.0003). Contrary, IL-2 TG haplotype frequency was lower in complex FS group (P=0.005). Overrepresentation of certain alleles, genotypes and haplotypes in IL-2 gene in FS patients could predispose individuals to this disease.