ASSOCIATION OF IL-6 CONCENTRATION AND IL-6 GENE POLYMORPHISMS WITH INTRAEPITHELIAL CHANGES IN THE CERVIX

Abstract

 The aim. To evaluate the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies of interleukin-6 (IL6) 597 A/G (rs. 1800797) and 174 G/C (rs. 1800795) polymorphisms among women with marked intraepithelial changes in the cervix and women with normal cervix cytology. Methods. 19 women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial changes (HSIL) and 63 women negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) were included in the study. Genotypes and allele frequencies of IL-6 597 A/G (rs. 1800797) and 174 G/C (rs. 1800795) polymorphisms and IL-6 concentration in blood serum were analysed in study groups. All women underwent an cytological examination using the liquid-smear method. DNA was isolated from blood leukocytes. Polymorphisms of the analysed genes were determined using the KASP genotyping system, using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. IL-6 protein concentration in blood serum was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results. This study showed that IL-6 174 G/C (rs. 1800795) CC genotype and C allele were statistically more frequent in women with HSIL changes, while GG genotype and G allele were more significantly more frequent in the group of NILM women (p<0.001). IL-6 597 A/G (rs. 1800797) genotypes and alleles did not differ significantly between these study groups. However, the concentration of IL-6 in women from HSIL group was higher than in healthy controls (p<0.001). Conclusions. IL-6 174 G/C (rs. 1800795) CC genotype and C allele may influence intraepithelial changes in the cervix. IL-6 levels are significantly increased in HSIL.