Cytokine gene polymorphisms in Taiwan

Cytokine gene polymorphisms may affect their transcription, influence their level of production, and may be implicated in inducing susceptibility or resistance to diseases. Cytokine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to determine allelic and genotypic frequencies in the Minnan, the Hakka, and in four indigenous tribes: the Ami, the Tsou, the Atayal, and the Tao (or Yami). The following cytokine gene polymorphisms were analyzed: interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) (T/C -889), IL-1beta (C/T -511, T/C +3962), IL-1R (C/T Pst-I 1970), IL-1Ralpha (T/C Mspa1-I 1100), IL-2 (T/G -330, G/T +166), IL-4 (T/G -1098, T/C -590, T/C -33), IL-4Ralpha (G/A +1902), IL-6 (G/C -174, G/A nt565), IL-10 (G/A -1082, C/T -819, C/A -592), IL-12 (C/A -1188), interferon-gamma (A/T UTR 5644), transforming growth factor-beta (C/T codon 10, G/C codon 25), and TNF-alpha (G/A -308, G/A -238). Little differences were observed between the Minnan and the Hakka. On the other hand, the Minnan and Hakka showed significant differences with the indigenous people.