Impact of genetic variation in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and melanocortin-1 receptor genes on vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the risk of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) in the presence of specific genetic variants (polymorphisms) that affect chronic inflammation, pain and skin color.

Study Design: For a retrospective, case-control study performed at a university-based ambulatory gynecologic service, 36 consecutive VVS cases and 69 consecutive pain-free controls were selected. Polymerase chain reaction products containing genetic variants of 2 genes, the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) and melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), were analyzed by 2 independent techniques, gel electrophoresis and direct sequencing.