Association of interleukin-6-174G>C promoter polymorphism with risk of cervical cancer

Background: The etiology of cervical cancer is associated with excessive inflammation-mediated tumorigenesis. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a multifunctional cytokine, regulates inflammation and various physiological processes. We therefore aimed to evaluate the association of the IL-6 -174G>C polymorphism with predisposition to cervical cancer. Materials and methods: The present case-control study comprised 160 histopathologically confirmed cases of cervical cancer and 200 healthy controls. Polymorphism for the IL-6 gene was genotyped by amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: We observed a significant association of the IL-6 -174CC genotype with risk of cervical cancer (OR=3.16; p=0.014). An increased risk of developing stage I tumors was found in individuals with a heterozygous (GC) genotype (OR=3.63, p=0.003). In a case-only analysis, the risk was further increased in patients consuming tobacco products (OR=3.14; p=0.033). Conclusion: The CC genotype in the IL-6 promoter region may confer a high risk of cervical cancer, which is further modulated in patients who are tobacco users. (Int J Biol Markers 2009; 24: 11-6)