PPARγ and IL-6 − 174G > C gene variants in Croatian patients with ischemic stroke

• The influence of PPAR-γ and IL-6 variants on ischemic stroke (IS) onset was proposed.
• IL6 − 174G/C genotype increased the odds for IS.
• PPARγ Pro12Ala variant alone or in interaction was not associated with IS.
• Other predictors of IS were male gender, hypertension, lowered HDL-C, and elevated CRP.

AimEtiology of ischemic stroke (IS) is multifactorial and includes interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Different genes, their polymorphisms, host susceptibility, and inflammation processes play a role in IS development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of PPAR-γ and IL-6 gene variants on IS onset.Material and methodsA total of 301 subjects (144 males, 157 females) participated in the study, 114 patients with IS and 187 healthy controls.ResultsStatistically significant predictors of IS were male gender (OR 7.13, 95% CI 2.92–17.39, p < 0.001), hypertension (OR 7.82. 95% CI 2.53–24.19, p < 0.001), lowered HDL cholesterol (OR 8.20, 95% CI 2.41–27.94, p = 0.001), elevated C-reactive protein (OR 5.26, 95% CI 1.92–14.41) and IL-6 − 174 GC (OR 2.44 95% CI 1.01–5.91, p = 0.0048) genotype. Males, compared to females, had 7 times higher odds for stroke. IL6 − 174G/C genotype increased the odds for IS for 2.4 times. PPARγ was not statistically significantly associated with stroke.ConclusionWe can point to the IL-6 − 174G > C polymorphisms as candidate gene marker and risk factor for the prediction of ischemic stroke.