IL-8 Gene Polymorphisms, IL-8 Levels, and AMD

Several factors can increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study focused on analyzing the association among IL-8 gene polymorphisms, IL-8 levels, and the risk of developing AMD. The study was conducted as a meta-analysis that relied on IL-8 -251A/T (rs4073) and +781C/T (rs2227306) polymorphisms and IL-8 levels in patients with AMD and controls.

The pooled data showed a significant association among AMD and allelic, dominant, homozygous, and heterozygous models of rs2227306. Further subgroup analysis showed a significant association among rs2227306 and wet AMD in allelic, recessive, and homozygous models. Patients with AMD, in particular, wet AMD, showed high levels of IL-8 compared to controls.

The researchers concluded that the patients with AMD, and in particular wet AMD, showed higher levels of IL-8. They note that IL-8 +781C/T polymorphism and intraocular IL-8 level may be useful biomarkers for early detection of AMD [1].

Source:

[1] Ulhaq, Z., & Soraya, G. (2021). Roles of IL-8 −251A/T and +781C/T polymorphisms, IL-8 level, and the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Archivos de La Sociedad Española de Oftalmología (English Edition). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oftale.2020.02.017