Abstract
Objective: With the onset of stroke, white blood cells release several proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$. It has been proven in previous studies that the release of these cytokines is related to the extent of damage to the brain and to overall prognosis. However, no studies have yet been performed to determine the connection with IL-6 and IL-10. Thus, this study is performed to see whether polymorphisms of IL-6, IL-10, and $TNF-{\alpha}$ genes that show increased serum concentration with the onset of stroke are related to stroke attack in Koreans. Methods : Peripheral blood samples derived from patients with stroke (n=100) and healthy controls (n=100) were taken under informed consent. In subjects with stroke, blood samples were obtained within 24 hours of stroke onset. Genomic DNA was isolated using the Wizard DNA Purification Kit (Promega, Madison, WI). Results : 1. Subjects with Heterozygote (GA) and Homozygote (AA) $TNF-{\alpha}$ gene types showed 2.433 and 20.457 times higher risks of being attacked by stroke, respectively, compared to subjects with wild type (GG) $TNF-{\alpha}$ gene type. The data was still statistically significant after adjusting for age, sex, history of smoking, and history of alcohol drinking. 2. Subjects with Homozygote (CC) IL-6 gene type showed 182.033 times higher risk of being attacked by stroke, compared to subjects with wild type (GG) IL-6 genes. This data was statistically insignificant (p=0.700). The data was still statistically insignificant after adjusting for age, sex, history of smoking, and history of alcohol drinking. 3. Subjects with Heterozygote (GA) and Homozygote (GG) IL-10 gene types showed 8.785 and 3.303 times higher risks of being attacked by stroke, respectively, compared to subjects with wild type (AA) IL-10 genes. The data was still statistically insignificant after adjusting for age, sex, history of smoking, and history of alcohol drinking. Conclusion : Our results suggest that the investigated $TNF-{\alpha}$ and IL-10 gene polymorphisms play an important role in stroke attack, but IL-6 gene polymorphism has not been found to associated with stroke.