Are cytokine gene polymorphisms related to in vitro cytokine production profiles?

Currently, there is much interest in the genetic basis for diseases or disease manifestations and, in particular, in whether they are related to cytokine gene polymorphisms. It has become accepted to denote such single-nucleotide polymorphisms of cytokine genes by their presumed association with high or low in vitro cytokine production. In this article, we analyze the relationship between cytokine gene polymorphisms and in vitro tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interferon gamma (IFNgamma), and interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-13 production, both in liver transplant recipients and in healthy volunteers.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms and acute human liver graft rejection.

Interindividual differences exist in the capacity to produce cytokines. It has been reported that levels of in vitro cytokine production measured after stimulated cell culture are associated with polymorphisms in cytokine genes. Moreover, a correlation between heart, kidney, liver, and lung graft rejection or survival with cytokine gene polymorphisms has been described.