Association of interleukin 33 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility and regulation of inflammatory mediators in Systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background Studies have indicated the involvement of interleukin (IL)-33 in the pathogenesis of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This research intended to evaluate the association of IL33 gene rs1929992 and rs7044343 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with risk of SLE. In addition, the association between these SNPs and inflammatory cytokines was determined. Methods In this study, 200 SLE cases and 200 healthy subjects were recruited. Using allelic discrimination Real-time PCR, IL33 gene rs1929992 and rs7044343 SNPs were genotyped. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1 beta, IL- 6, IL-33, TNF- a were determined in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The serum levels of cytokines were also measured. Results The G allele (OR = 1.57, CI: 1.18-2.08, P = 0.0017), GG genotype (OR = 2.52, CI: 1.33-4.77, P = 0.0043), and GA genotype (OR = 2.12, CI: 1.34-3.34, P = 0.0011) of rs1929992 SNP was significantly associated with an increased SLE risk. The C allele (OR = 1.44, CI: 1.08-1.90; P = 0.0105), CC genotype ( OR = 2.07, CI: 1.15-3.71; P = 0.0146), and CT genotype (OR = 1.61, CI: 1.02-2.53, P = 0.0395) of rs7044343 was significantly associated with increased SLE risk. The PBMC mRNA expression and serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-33, TNF-alpha were significantly increased in the SLE patients compared to controls. However, there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression and serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-33, and TNF-alpha among the SLE patients with three genotypes for both rs1929992 and rs7044343 polymorphisms. Conclusions IL33 gene rs1929992 and rs7044343 SNPs are involved in SLE pathogenesis but they might not influence on the inflammatory pathway.

Automated summary

This study found an association between IL33 gene rs1929992 and rs7044343 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of SLE, as well as the relationship between these SNPs and inflammatory cytokines.