Relationship between IL1β-511C>T and ILRN VNTR polymorphisms and keratoconus.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between keratoconus (KC) and interleukin-1β (IL1 β) (-511C>T) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms that are potentially associated in their genetic susceptibility to KC.

METHODS

A total of 121 patients with KC and 121 healthy individuals were enrolled. Blood samples with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid were obtained, and IL1β (-511C>T) (rs16944) (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method) and IL1RN VNTR polymorphisms (rs2234663) (polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel imaging) were investigated.

RESULTS

Genotype and allele distribution for IL1β (-511C>T) and IL1RN VNTR polymorphisms among the KC and healthy groups showed no difference (for all; P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Because the genotype and allele frequency of both polymorphisms are identical, it is most likely that IL1β-511C>T and IL1RN VNTR polymorphisms do not play a role in the development of KC in the Turkish population.