The -174 G/C polymorphism of the interleukin-6 gene promoter is associated with peripheral artery occlusive disease

Objective and design: high plasma levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) are found in patients with atherosclerotic disorders. Recently, a common polymorphism of the IL-6 gene promoter, influencing the transcription rate of the gene, has been described and associated with atherosclerosis of carotid and coronary arteries. The objective of this study was to test whether IL-6 gene promoter polymorphism is associated with peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) in a case-control study. Methods: IL-6 gene promoter polymorphism was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme analysis in 84 patients affected by PAOD and 183 controls. Results: the distribution of IL-6 genotypes was: patients with PAOD: 44 GG, 30 GC, 10 CC; control subjects: 53 GG, 80 GC, 50 CC. The GG genotype was significantly more common in the PAOD group (p < 0.0001), while the CC genotype was significantly more common in control patients (p = 0.005). Conclusions: this study indicates a strong association between IL-6 gene polymorphism and PAOD and support the hypothesis that IL-6 and IL-6 gene polymorphism are important in the pathophysiology and evolution of ischaemic diseases of the lower limbs.