Caspase 3, 6, 8, and 9 Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Plasma Concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in Carriers of Different Polymorphic Marker -174G>C Genotypes of IL6 Gene Associated with the Risk of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Abstract

We revealed an association of IL6 gene -174G>C polymorphism with the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in the Russian population. The risk is significantly higher in carriers of C allele: OR=1.77 (1.04; 3.02). The effects of -174G>C substitution in IL6 gene involving caspase 9 gene transcripts in peripheral blood leukocytes and on blood content of TNF-α in healthy individuals without clinical manifestations of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis were detected. The content of caspase 9 gene transcripts in peripheral blood leukocytes and plasma level of TNF-α were significantly higher in healthy subjects carrying C allele than in carriers of GG genotype. The levels of caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9 gene transcripts in peripheral blood leukocytes and plasma concentrations of TNF-α in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis did not depend on IL6 genotype by -174G<C marker.