Interleukin-8 promoter polymorphism -251A/T is a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration

Br J Ophthalmol. 2008 Apr;92(4):537-40. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2007.123190. Epub 2008 Feb 29.

Abstract

Background/aims: To determine whether four expression-related cytokine polymorphisms are associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: DNA from 478 cases with AMD and 555 normal controls was genotyped for the pro-inflammatory IL1beta -511C/T, IL6 -174C/G, IL8 -251A/T and anti-inflammatory IL10 -1082G/A cytokine polymorphisms using the 5' nuclease TaqMan(R) assay for allelic discrimination. Associations with AMD were analysed using allelic frequencies.

Results: The -251A allele of the IL8 promoter gene polymorphism was more prevalent in AMD patients than controls (p = 0.037, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.44). Adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), current smoking and past smoking status did not alter the AMD association significantly (corrected p value = 0.043, OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.0 to 1.50).

Conclusion: The pro-inflammatory homozygous IL8 -251AA genotype is an important risk factor for AMD. This may have implications for future therapy with biological agents that could target this cytokine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-8 / genetics*
  • Macular Degeneration / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Interleukin-8