IL6-174 G/C gene polymorphism and its relation to serum IL6 in Egyptian children with community-acquired pneumonia.

Abstract Cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of this study is to investigate the association of IL6 - 174 G / C gene polymorphism with CAP in Egyptian children, to assess its effect on CAP outcome and to determine its effect on the serum IL6 levels in these children. IL6 - 174 G / C gene polymorphism was genotyped in 210 Egyptian children (100 patients with CAP and 110 healthy controls) using PCR-RFLP, while the serum IL6 levels were measured by ELISA method. We found a significant association between the GG genotype, G allele of IL6 - 174 G / C SNP and susceptibility to CAP ( P  = 0.02, 0.01 respectively). However, GG genotype and G allele were protective against severe sepsis ( p  = 0.004), acute respiratory failure ( p p IL6 levels were significantly increased in these children while there was no relation between GG genotype and serum IL6 . In conclusion, IL6 - 174 G / C gene polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility to CAP in Egyptian children.