Association of IL-6 − 174G > C and − 572C > G polymorphisms with risk of young ischemic stroke patients

• The IL-6 − 174CC genotype and C allele increase the risk of ischemic stroke.
• The IL-6 − 572GG genotype and G allele increase the risk of ischemic stroke.
• IL-6 − 174G > C has interaction with hypertension, obesity and etiologic subtypes.
• IL-6 − 572C > G has interaction with hypertension, obesity and etiologic subtypes.

AimTo investigate the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6) − 174G > C and − 572C > G polymorphisms and risk for ischemic stroke (IS) in young patients.MethodsWe genotyped IL-6  − 174G > C and − 572C > G in a case–control study of 430 young IS patients and 461 control subjects. An unconditional multiple logistical regression model was used to calculate the effects of IL-6 − 174G > C and − 572C > G polymorphisms on IS risk.ResultsHigher body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking were associated with risk of ischemic stroke. Multivariate regression analyses showed that subjects carrying the − 174CC genotype (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.16–2.57) and C allele (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.09–1.67) had a small but significant increased risk of IS. Similarly, those carrying the − 572GG genotype (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.18–3.82) and G allele (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.14–1.83) had a moderate increased risk of IS. We found the − 174G > C and − 572C > G polymorphisms interact with hypertension and obesity.ConclusionOur results suggest that polymorphisms in IL-6 − 174G > C and − 572C > G are associated with IS risk in young patients, and that these polymorphisms interact with hypertension, obesity and etiologic subtypes. These findings could be helpful in identifying individuals at increased risk for developing IS.