Lack of Association Between TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10 Gene Polymorphisms and Rheumatic Heart Disease in South Indian Population.

BACKGROUND: Proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of immune mediated inflammatory diseases including rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-10 genes influence the differential cytokine expression as well as the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to investigate the association between TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 gene polymorphisms and RHD in South Indian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: TNF-α (-308, -238), IFN-γ (+874), and IL-10 (-1082, -819, -592) gene polymorphisms were determined in 100 patients with RHD and 127 healthy siblings by PCR.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 polymorphisms between RHD patients and healthy siblings.

CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 gene variants may not be associated with the development of RHD in South Indian population.