Association between depression, parameters of adiposity and genetic polymorphisms of pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6 in subjects over 55 years old

During the last few decades, adiposity has become a relatively common phenomenon worldwide. The available data on the effects of pro-inflammatory factors in both depression and adiposity has been attracting great attention. Aim. We sought to assess the prevalence of -889C> T IL-1 alpha, -31T> C and -511C> T IL-1 beta, -330T> G IL-2 and -174G> C IL-6 genes and their association with adiposity and depression in Polish subjects. Methods. A cohort study was conducted in 2013/2014, covering a sample of 297 individuals (217 female and 80 male). Anthropometric data was handled using the BIA analysis method, while for genotyping PCR-RFLP techniques were used. Results. A positive correlation between depression and anthropometric parameters: adipose tissue (in kg) and adipose tissue (in %) (R= 0.135 and p= 0.02, R= 0.114 and p< 0.05, respectively) was found. No association between studied polymorphisms and depression was observed. Conclusion. Although it was not possible to demonstrate any influence of the studied polymorphisms as the genetic modulator of depression, authors believe that the presented data are noticeable and may provide the basis for future studies on larger groups.