Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms in Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
Summary
Inflammation is a recognised driver of both obesity and type 2 diabetes, with cytokines serving as key mediators of immune-metabolic crosstalk. Variations in the genes encoding pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines can influence individual susceptibility to insulin resistance, adipose tissue dysfunction and hyperglycaemia. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) have been most extensively studied. For example, the IL6 –174 G>C variant modulates circulating IL-6 levels and may alter adipose tissue inflammation. The TNF –308 G>A SNP has been linked variably to insulin signalling and glucose homeostasis. Anti-inflammatory genotypes such as IL10 –1082 A/G appear to confer protection by enhancing IL-10 production, thereby counteracting macrophage-driven inflammation in obesity. Together, these genetic differences shed light on interindividual variation in disease onset, progression and response to lifestyle or pharmacological interventions. Insights into cytokine gene polymorphisms not only deepen our understanding of metabolic pathology but also hold promise for personalised risk assessment and targeted therapies.
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Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms in Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cytokine gene polymorphisms in type 2 diabetes and obesity across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Cytokine: A small protein secreted by immune cells that regulates inflammation and cell communication.
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): A DNA sequence variation at a single base pair, potentially affecting gene function or expression.
Promoter region: A DNA segment upstream of a gene that controls the initiation of transcription and can be altered by SNPs to influence gene expression.
Insulin resistance: A physiological condition in which cells respond poorly to insulin, leading to impaired glucose uptake and elevated blood sugar levels.
References
- The Concentrations of Interleukin‐6, Insulin, and Glucagon in the Context of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in IL6 and INS Genes. Journal of Obesity (2024).
- Serum profile of cytokines and their genetic variants in metabolic syndrome and healthy subjects: a comparative study. Bioscience Reports (2019).
- Association of IL-10 (− 1082 A/G) and IL-6 (− 174 G/C) gene polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia population. BMC Endocrine Disorders (2021).
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