Association between IL-4 gene polymorphisms, IL-4 serum levels, and ankylosing spondylitis
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effect of two common polymorphisms in interleukin-4 (IL-4) on serum IL-4 levels and the development of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the Chinese population. A total of 420 inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with AS were enrolled as the case group, and 330 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group. IL-4 rs2243250 and rs2227282 genotype frequencies in the latter were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (both P > 0.05). The TC+TT genotypes and T allele of rs2243250 were strongly associated with elevated AS risk [CC vs TC+TT: odds ratio (OR) = 2.378, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.746-3.239, P < 0.001; C vs T: OR = 2.588, 95%CI = 2.007-3.337, P < 0.001]. Moreover, the rs2227282 GG genotype and G allele may also correlate with increased risk (CC vs GC: OR = 1.555, 95%CI = 1.130-2.141, P = 0.007; CC vs GC+GG: OR = 1.833, 95%CI = 1.357-2.476, P < 0.001; C vs G: OR = 1.403, 95%CI = 1.086-1.811, P = 0.009). In addition, serum IL-4 concentrations were significantly lower in AS patients carrying the rs2243250 TT genotype compared to those with the CC and TC genotypes (both P < 0.05). Similarly, patients carrying the rs2227282 CC genotype demonstrated higher serum IL-4 levels than those with the GC and GG genotypes (both P < 0.05). Our study provides evidence that IL-4 polymorphisms associated with diminished serum IL-4 levels may be partially responsible for AS development in the Chinese population.
INTRODUCTION
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is considered a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease, and has been confirmed as an example of both inflammatory and autoimmune spondyloarthropathy (Chen et al., 2011). It primarily involves inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, which is seen as the hallmark of AS, and subsequently affects joints in the spine, resulting in progressive ankylosis and eventually involvement of the axial skeleton, causing the spine to fuse in a rigid formation known as bamboo spine (Huang et al., 2014; Kassimos et al., 2014). AS is the most common severe rheumatic disorder subtype, with a worldwide incidence rate between 0.1 and 1.4%, and results in not only structural and functional physical impairments, but also decreased quality of life (Lee et al., 2013; Dean et al., 2014). It has been reported that the majority of AS cases involve young men (15-40 years old), with this disease rarely presenting after the age of 50 years (Kassimos et al., 2014). Clinical characteristics of AS may include stiffness, sleep disturbances, decreased spinal mobility, and psychological outcomes, including stress, anxiety, and depression (Baysal et al., 2011). Moreover, multiple complications are associated with AS, the most significant being renal failure and secondary amyloidosis (Kobak, 2012). Accumulating evidence suggests that its etiology is multifactorial, with principal influences resulting from the interaction between environmental and inherited risk factors (Boonen et al., 2010; Costenbader et al., 2012; Ma et al., 2013). In addition, inflammation-related processes may be partially responsible for the incidence and development of such diseases.
Interleukin-4 (IL-4), encoded by the IL-4 gene on chromosome 5q23.31, is a cytokine that induces the differentiation of naive helper T (Th) cells into Th2 cells, and is critical for regulating the Th1/Th2 immune response balance (Liang et al., 2011; Harada et al., 2012). Concerning its immunoregulatory and more general biological functions, IL-4 has been shown to be closely connected to the control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis (Jenkins et al., 2013). Moreover, as a modulator of the human immune system, IL-4 is among the important multifunctional cytokines that may be involved in both humoral and adaptive immunity (Vijayanand et al., 2012). Acting as a lymphocyte growth and survival factor, IL-4 can stimulate activated B cell and T cell proliferation, and the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells (Toellner, 2014; Banchereau, 2015). More importantly, as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, it can suppress the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby exhibiting therapeutic effects in in vivo models of collagen-induced arthritis (Hemmerle and Neri, 2014). In the present study, we therefore evaluated its tissue-protective effect by investigating common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-4 gene, namely, rs2243250 (-590C/T) and rs2227282 (+3437C/G), and IL-4 protein expression levels in AS patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Ethics statement
This study was approved by the ethics committee of Shangluo Central Hospital and was performed in strict accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Prior to the investigation, all eligible subjects were notified of the details of the study, and written informed consent was obtained from each subject.
Subjects
From October 2012 to May 2014, a total of 420 inpatients and outpatients with AS were recruited from Shangluo Central Hospital as the case group. The following inclusion criteria were applied: 1) diagnosis of AS was confirmed by clinical inspection and X-ray examination; 2) diagnosis was in line with the 1984 modified New York criteria (Goie The et al., 1985), as follows: i) lower back pain lasting for at least 3 months that is relieved by activity but not by rest; ii) movement of the lumbar spine and lateral flexion are limited; iii) thoracic expansion is lower than the normal values observed in groups of the same age and gender; iv) presence of bilateral sacroiliitis grades II-IV, or unilateral sacroiliitis grades III-IV. AS was diagnosed if any of criteria i-iii were met, in addition to criterion iv. We included 316 male and 104 female AS patients, aged 28-64 years (with a mean age of 45.71 ± 13.68 years), and with a mean disease duration of 15.50 years (ranging from 3-25 years).
A group of 330 healthy volunteers (270 men and 60 women aged 25-67 years, with a mean age of 46.52 ± 12.91 years) were enrolled as the control group. No statistically significant differences in age or gender were observed between the groups (both P > 0.05). Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, other autoimmune diseases, hereditary diseases, severe heart, lung, liver, or kidney dysfunction, benign or malignant tumors, or other related diseases were excluded from this study.
Selection of candidate SNPs
IL-4 SNPs were selected for this study from datasets representing the Han Chinese population in the HapMap (
Detection of IL-4 polymorphisms
In the early morning, venous blood samples (2 mL) were collected from each patient and healthy control subject after an overnight fast, using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an anticoagulant. Genomic DNA was extracted using a DNA Extraction Kit (Tiangen Biotech, Beijing, China) following the manufacturer protocol. The rs2243250 and rs2227282 SNPs in the IL-4 gene promoter were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All primers for PCR amplification, the sequences of which are listed in Table 1, were designed using Primer Premier 5.0 (PREMIER Biosoft, Palo Alto, CA, USA). Amplification was performed in a 5-μL reaction, including 0.95 μL H2O, 0.625 μL PCR buffer (10X), 0.325 μL MgCl2 (25 mM), 1 μL deoxynucleotides, and a mixture comprising 1 μL each of the upstream and the downstream primers, 0.1 μL HotStarTaq polymerase (5 U/μL), and 1 μL template DNA. The reaction conditions were as follows: pre-denaturation (94°C for 15 s), then 45 cycles of denaturation (94°C for 20 s), annealing (56°C for 30 s), and extension (72°C for 1 min), before a final extension (72°C for 3 min). After completion of this reaction, samples were stored at 4°C. PCR products were then separated and analyzed by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis.
Sequences of primers used for polymerase chain reaction amplification of the rs2243250 and rs2227282 regions of the IL-4 gene.
| SNP | Primer |
|---|---|
| rs2243250 (C/T) | F: 5'-ACTAGGCCTCACCTGATACG-3' |
| R: 5'-GTTGTAATGCAGTCCTCCTG-3' | |
| rs2227282 (C/G) | F: 5'-TTTAGTGCAAGGCCTTAACGTTTTA-3' |
| R: 5'-TTGCTCTGGTATCGCAGCGAGGGGG-3' |
SNP = single nucleotide polymorphism, F = forward, R = reverse.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Serum IL-4 concentration was measured using an ELISA Kit (Boster Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China) following the manufacturer protocol. First, 100 µL blood sample was put into each antibody-coated well, comprising 33 µL plasma and 67 µL diluent. Standard solution (100 μL) at a range of concentrations was added into the nine corresponding wells, while the blank control well was left empty. The plate was then shaken until the samples were well mixed, before being sealed with adhesive plastic film and placed in an incubator at 37°C for 90 min. Subsequently, the plate was removed from the incubator and the liquid in each well discarded. Washing solution comprising phosphate buffered saline solution (350 μL) was added to the wells and removed after 30 s, before drying the plate on absorbent paper. The above steps were repeated five times. Next, with the exception of the blank control well, 100 μL biotin-labeled antibody was placed in the wells, which were then sealed with tape and kept in a 37°C incubator for 60 min. Following this, 100 μL enzyme-conjugated antibody was added and the plate sealed with film. Reactions were then carried out for 30 min at 37°C in an incubator. After five washes, 100 μL color-development reagent was pipetted into each well and allowed to react for 15-20 min, avoiding subsequent exposure to light. Finally, after mixing 100 μL stop solution with each sample, optical density at a wavelength of 450 nm was measured immediately using an ELISA plate reader.
Statistical analysis
Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) based on experimental data represented as continuous variables (means ± standard deviations) and counts (percentages). The t-test or analysis of variance was applied for comparisons between groups. The conformance of SNP genotype frequencies in the control group to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was tested by Fisher’s exact test. Genotype and allele distribution differences between groups are reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). The chi-square test was employed for analysis of rs2243250 and rs2227282 allele and genotype frequencies. P values for all tests are two-tailed, and to limit the risk of false positive results, only those below 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
Distribution of IL-4 genetic polymorphisms
Frequencies of IL-4 polymorphism genotypes and alleles among AS patients and controls are displayed in Table 2. IL-4 rs2243250 and rs2227282 genotypes in the control group were distributed in accordance with HWE (both P > 0.05). Allele and genotype frequencies of these SNPs in the AS group significantly differed from those in the control group. Comparison of the AS patients and control subjects suggested that the frequency of the IL-4 rs2243250 TT genotype and T allele were significantly higher among the former than the latter (TT genotype frequency: 18.09 vs 4.24%, P < 0.05; T allele frequency: 32.62 vs 15.76%, P < 0.05). We found that subjects carrying the rs2243250 TC+TT genotypes or T allele were at a substantially increased risk of AS (CC vs TC+TT: OR = 2.378, 95%CI = 1.746-3.239, P < 0.001; C vs T: OR = 2.588, 95%CI = 2.007-3.337, P < 0.001). The IL-4 rs2227282 GG genotype frequency was 16.67% in the AS group, compared to 4.24% in the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the G allele of this polymorphism was detected in 24.87% of AS patients and 19.09% of controls (P < 0.05). Similarly, the IL-4 rs2227282 CC genotype appears to be associated with increased AS risk (CC vs GC: OR = 1.555, 95%CI = 1.130-2.141, P = 0.007; CC vs GC+GG: OR = 1.833, 95%CI = 1.357-2.476, P < 0.001), and the C allele with diminished risk (C vs G: OR = 1.403, 95%CI = 1.086-1.811, P = 0.009).
Distribution of rs2243250 and rs2227282 alleles and genotypes.
| SNP | Cases [N = 420] | Controls [N = 330] | P | OR | 95%CI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| rs2243250 | |||||
| CC | 222 (52.86%) | 240 (72.73%) | Ref. | ||
| TC | 122 (29.05%) | 76 (23.03%) | 0.001 | 1.735 | 1.236-2.437 |
| TT | 76 (18.09%) | 14 (4.24%) | <0.001 | 5.869 | 3.226-10.678 |
| TC+TT | 198 (47.14%) | 90 (27.27%) | <0.001 | 2.378 | 1.746-3.239 |
| C allele | 566 (67.38%) | 556 (84.24%) | Ref. | ||
| T allele | 274 (32.62%) | 104 (15.76%) | <0.001 | 2.588 | 2.007-3.337 |
| rs2227282 | |||||
| CC | 206 (49.04%) | 218 (66.06%) | Ref. | ||
| GC | 144 (34.29%) | 98 (29.70%) | 0.007 | 1.555 | 1.130-2.141 |
| GG | 70 (16.67%) | 14 (4.24%) | <0.001 | 5.291 | 2.891-9.686 |
| GC+GG | 214 (50.96%) | 112 (33.94%) | <0.001 | 1.833 | 1.357-2.476 |
| C allele | 556 (75.13%) | 534 (80.91%) | Ref. | ||
| G allele | 284 (24.87%) | 126 (19.09%) | 0.009 | 1.403 | 1.086-1.811 |
OR = odds ratio, 95%CI = 95% confidence interval, SNP = single nucleotide polymorphism.
Comparison of serum IL-4 levels
Data concerning comparisons of serum IL-4 levels between and within groups are presented in Table 3. IL-4 serum concentrations in the AS group were remarkably higher than those in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Concerning rs2243250, IL-4 levels were significantly lower in AS patients carrying the TT genotype than in those with the CC and TC genotypes (both P < 0.05). In addition, patients carrying the rs2227282 GG genotype also exhibited lower concentrations than those with the GC and CC genotypes (both P < 0.05). In the control group, however, serum IL-4 levels did not differ according to rs2243250 or rs2227282 genotypes (all P > 0.05).
Comparison of serum IL-4 levels.
| Control group (pg/mL) | Case group (pg/mL) | P | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| rs2243250 | CC | 295.74 ± 62.11 | 1433.29 ± 214.88 | <0.001 |
| TC | 315.56 ± 70.25 | 989.38 ± 150.371 | <0.001 | |
| TT | 312.61 ± 72.03 | 569.65 ± 101.231 | <0.001 | |
| rs2227282 | CC | 281.11 ± 62.87 | 1553.56 ± 206.00 | <0.001 |
| GC | 288.20 ± 69.93 | 984.21 ± 143.371 | <0.001 | |
| GG | 311.98 ± 72.32 | 547.92 ± 84.861 | <0.001 |
1P < 0.05 compared with the corresponding wild-type homozygous genotype.
DISCUSSION
In the current study, we investigated the significance of rs2243250 and rs2227282, thought to be associated with altered serum IL-4 levels, in the incidence of AS. Furthermore, the relationship between these IL-4 gene variants and IL-4 serum concentration was systematically measured in AS patients. Our results suggest that the rs2243250 TT genotype is related to reduce IL-4 levels, and is also present at a higher frequency among AS patients than healthy controls. Similarly, the CC genotype of IL-4 rs2227282 was associated with higher IL-4 serum concentrations, and was less common in the AS group. This suggests that the IL-4 rs2243250 and rs2227282 polymorphisms significantly correlate with AS due to their lowering of IL-4 levels in serum.
At present, AS is generally thought to be associated with immunity, infection, and genetic factors (Wang et al., 2012; Cortes et al., 2013; van der Heijde et al., 2014); however, its exact etiopathogenesis has not yet been determined. Previous research has shown that CD4+ Th cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (Tc cells), and cytokines play vitally important roles in the pathogenesis of AS (Zhang et al., 2012; Cortes et al., 2013). For instance, Jin et al. (2013) confirmed the effect of IL-1RN polymorphisms on AS pathogenesis in the context of the related immune and inflammatory roles of associated cytokines. Importantly, Th cells are divided into Th1 and Th2 subgroups, and Tc cells into Tc1 and Tc2 subgroups, according to the cytokines that they produce (Noack and Miossec, 2014; Zhang et al., 2015). IL-4, secreted by Th2 and Tc2 cells, functions to inhibit cell-mediated immunity and promote humoral immunity (Harada et al., 2012). It has been suggested that a Tc1/Tc2 imbalance is the critical factor leading to AS, but reports concerning this are scarce (Wang et al., 2015). In general, Th1 cells are pathogenic, whereas Th2 cells play a protective role; therefore, imbalance between these subsets is also key in AS pathogenesis (Limón-Camacho et al., 2012). In addition, polymorphisms of the IL-4 gene in patients with AS are likely to affect cytokine secretion patterns, and thus influence the progression of this disease. In the present study, we demonstrated that the rs2243250 and rs2227282 SNPs of IL-4 may be associated with AS risk. A possible reason for this is that IL-4 is a pleiotropic T cell-derived cytokine, exerting either suppressive or stimulatory effects on different cell types, and involved in the regulation of humoral immune pathways (Burton et al., 2013). As an anti-inflammatory factor, IL-4 can inhibit the differentiation of naive T cells into Th1 cells, and the production of cytokines by these latter. Moreover, this cytokine, produced by activated CD4+ T cells, can promote Th2 cell maturation (Limón-Camacho et al., 2012). However, genetic polymorphisms in IL-4 that affect expression of the IL-4 protein contribute to a T cell imbalance, thereby potentially influencing its anti-inflammatory role and the development of AS (Wallis et al., 2011; Inanir et al., 2013).
Our study also revealed that serum IL-4 levels were substantially higher in AS patients than in healthy controls. Based on clinical data collected during the investigation, we observed significantly decreased IL-4 serum concentrations in patients with severe symptoms, high levels of inflammatory markers, and serious joint damage, suggesting that altered IL-4 production is strongly associated with disease activity in AS patients. Increased serum IL-4 may therefore have a protective function in this condition. Treatment with IL-4 mimics may thus help to alleviate symptoms, whereas IL-4 antibody administration clearly might aggravate arthritis, as reported in previous publications (Spiess et al., 2013; Suzuki et al., 2015). Considering its anti-inflammatory nature and protective effect in AS, decreased levels of IL-4 are associated with weakened inhibition of the inflammatory response (Bellini et al., 2012), leading to disruption of in vivo immune homeostasis, and promoting the development of immune-related diseases.
However, and importantly, the results of the present study should be interpreted with caution, since certain limitations to our work need to be taken into consideration. First, additional polymorphic loci in the IL-4 gene and other interleukins should be investigated to verify the role of cytokines in the progression of AS. Second, should time and funding permit, the association between IL-4 gene polymorphisms and clinical pathological features of patients with AS could be further investigated in future studies? Third, considering the current incidence and severity of AS, we would like to explore the potential of IL-4 antagonists in its prevention and treatment, by establishing animal models and clinical experiments. These approaches would certainly contribute to an in-depth investigation of cytokines involved in the development and prevention of AS.
In conclusion, variants of the IL-4 gene associated with decreased IL-4 serum levels may be implicated in the progression of AS. These findings may promote further investigation of the therapeutic role of IL-4 in AS, and perhaps in other related inflammatory or immune diseases. Fine-mapping studies are needed to confirm our results and establish the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of IL-4.