The influence of the TNFα rs1800629 polymorphism on some inflammatory biomarkers in 45-60-year-old women with metabolic syndrome

Introduction: There are reports that the TNF alpha gene (rs1800629) can be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome through an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we have decided to search for the relationship between the TNF alpha gene polymorphisms and serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF alpha, IFN gamma) and CRP in women with metabolic syndrome. Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 416 women aged 45-60 years, including 118 with metabolic syndrome. The participants were surveyed and subjected to anthropometric, biochemical and genetic analysis. Results: We noticed that in the group meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome, the G/G genotype of the TNF alpha gene was related to higher IL-6 levels than in the remainder group. The carriers of the A/G genotype in the metabolic syndrome group had significantly higher levels of IFN gamma than those in the group without this syndrome. CRP was significantly higher in the group with metabolic syndrome, irrespective of the women's genotypes. Conclusions: The upregulation of IFN gamma and IL-6 and CRP suggests that autoinflammatory process may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. However, a direct relationship between the TNF alpha gene polymorphisms and inflammatory biomarkers analyzed in our study was not confirmed.