Inflammatory factor Interleukin-6 and its correlation with rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Inconsistent findings exist regarding the association between Interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene polymorphisms (GPMs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• A systematic meta-analysis is needed to clarify the relationship between IL-6 GPMs and RA susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically evaluate the correlation between IL-6 GPMs and susceptibility to RA using meta-analysis.
• To analyze specific IL-6 gene polymorphic sites: rs1800795 (G-174C), rs1800796 (G-572C), and rs1800797 (G-597A).

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of multiple databases up to March 31, 2024.
• Inclusion of cohort and case-control studies comparing RA patients with healthy controls.
• Statistical analysis of IL-6 gene frequency distributions, heterogeneity, and publication bias.

Main Results:

• The study included 21 articles with 9772 participants (4679 RA cases, 5093 controls).
• The IL-6 gene allelic model (G vs C) showed a significant association with RA (P=0.003).
• IL-6 rs1800795 (G-174C) genotypes (CC, CG, GG) were associated with RA susceptibility, particularly in Asian populations. No correlation was found for rs1800796 and rs1800797.

Conclusions:

• IL-6 rs1800795 (G-174C) allelic model and genotypes are associated with RA susceptibility.
• Specific genotypes (CG and GG) showed susceptibility in Asian populations.
• rs1800796 and rs1800797 GPMs have a negligible correlation with RA susceptibility.