Evaluation of the Role of -137G/C Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (rs187238) and Gene Expression Levels of the IL-18 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Journal Title: Oman Medical Journal - Year 2018, Vol 33, Issue 2
Abstract
Objectives: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory and proatherogenic cytokine, and its genetic variations may contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to investigate the role of -137G/C polymorphism and gene expression levels of IL-18 in patients with CAD. Methods: The study population included 100 patients with angiographically proven CAD and 100 matched controls. Total RNA and DNA were extracted from leukocytes using appropriate kits. The genotype of -137G/C polymorphism and gene expression level of IL-18 was determined using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time (RT)-PCR assay, respectively. Results: The genotypic and allelic distribution of IL-18 -137G/C polymorphism was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.050). Moreover, the -137G/C polymorphism did not increase the risk of CAD in dominant and recessive genetic models (p > 0.050). However, subgroup analysis of CAD patients revealed that the IL-18 -137G/C polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of CAD in hypertensive patients (odds ratio (OR) = 7.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–25.17; p = 0.019) and smokers (OR = 4.90; 95% CI: 1.21–19.70; p = 0.031) but not in the diabetic subpopulation (p = 0.261). The genotype distribution of IL-18 -137G/C genetic polymorphism was significantly different among patients with one, two, and three stenotic vessels (p < 0.050). The gene expression level of IL-18 was significantly higher in the CAD group than the control group (p < 0.001). Moreover, the carriers of CC genotype had significantly lower gene expression levels of IL-18 than carriers of GG genotype (p < 0.050).Conclusions: The -137G/C polymorphism of IL-18 may be associated with the CAD risk in hypertensive and smoker subgroup of CAD patients. The -137G/C polymorphism seems to play an important role in determining the severity of CAD. Increased IL-18 gene expression level is a significant risk factor for the development of CAD. The CC genotype of -137G/C polymorphism is associated with lower IL-18 gene expression levels.
Authors and Affiliations
Fatemeh Hoseini, Sanaz Mahmazi, Khalil Mahmoodi, Gholam Ali Jafari, Mohammad Soleiman Soltanpour
Primary Hypothalamic Lymphoma in an Adult Male: A Case Report and Literature Review
Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a well-known entity. However, the hypothalamus is a rare location, especially in adults. Few cases of secondary lymphomas have been reported. We report a case of primary hypotha...
Gender Differences and Obesity Influence on Pulmonary Function Parameters
Objectives: Overweight and obesity are known to cause various patterns of alteration to the pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters. We sought to investigate gender differences in PFT parameters and examine the relation...
Lemierre’s Syndrome
Lemierre’s syndrome is a rare, life-threatening condition, which may be fatal if not properly treated. This disease refers to thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, which is the result of bacterial sore throat in...
The Impact of Lifestyle, Diet, and Psychological Stress on Female Fertility
nfertility is defined by a couple’s inability or failure to conceive after regular unprotected sexual intercourse for six months for women over the age of 35, or 12 months for women under the age of 35. Infertility is du...
Socioeconomic Determinants of Knowledge of Kidney Disease Among Residents in Nigerian Communities in Lagos State, Nigeria
Objectives: We sought to estimate the knowledge, sociodemographic determinants, and risk-inducing lifestyles of kidney disease (KD) among Nigerians living in Lagos State. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descripti...