The Expression and Genetic Polymorphisms of IL-6 Gene Association with Hodgkin Lymphoma in A Sample of Iraqi Population

Abstract

Background Lymphomas are broad tumors originating in the lymphatic system, causing lymph node enlargement. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a type of blood cancers distinct from non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene is associated with various malignancies and can influence tumor growth and immune responses. Aim this paper aims to study the role of IL-6 gene expression and polymorphisms in association with the increased incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma and the possibility of using this interleukin as a tool in diagnosis and treatment follow-up in patients with HL. Methods the study included 100 participants (50 HL patients and 50 controls), which collected from December 2023 to March 2024. Sex, age, family history, Complete Blood Count, and some kidney function tests were assessed for both studied groups. This study emphasizes the role of IL-6 gene expression and polymorphisms, particularly the SNPs rs1800795 G/C, rs1800796 G/C, and rs1800797 G/A with HL incidence in the Iraqi population. Results showed varying differences between significant for family history smoking, hemoglobin, platelet, urea and creatinine and non-significant for other studied demographic and clinical data between HL patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the median fold change of IL-6 gene expression (2^-ΔΔCt) revealed up-regulation in HL patients (1.23) concerning to the control, which was (1). According to studied SNPs, some genotypes and alleles appeared to have significant protective effects. In contrast, others appeared to be risk factors that play a significant role in increasing HL incidence. Conclusion, our investigation of an Iraqi Arab population revealed significant associations between the IL-6 gene and HL.