The rs1800795 single nucleotide polymorphism in the IL6 gene is not associated with primary open angle glaucoma in Mexican population.

PURPOSE: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine with pleiotropic effects which has been related to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) due to its particular effect of protecting the retinal ganglion cells (RGc) from the apoptosis. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been associated with POAG. The aim of this study was to determine whether an association between IL-6 rs1800795 (-174 G>C) SNP and a higher risk for POAG is present in western Mexican population.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty-five unrelated Mexican mestizo patients with POAG and 108 control subjects were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes and purified, followed by genotyping and amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with Taqman Biosystem probes. Allelic and genotypic diversity was evaluated between cases and control subjects.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant association between allele and genotype frequencies, neither with dominant nor recessive genetic association models (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Even though there is a role of IL6 in the pathophysiology of POAG, our results ruled out the association between IL-6 and the rs1800795 SNP showing not to be an index of higher risk for POAG in Mexican population.