Lack of association of IL-10 promoter gene variants with type 1 diabetes in a French population

Although genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes shows a strong association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles, additional genes may influence the immune process and the progression of beta cell loss. Preliminary reports suggested that IL-10 gene polymorphisms contribute to susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. We analyzed the frequencies of three main variants of the promoter region of the IL-10 gene at the positions -1082, -819, and -592 in a cohort of 358 type 1 diabetic patients representing the same regional population pattern and 519 controls from the same region using an enzyme-linked oligonucleotide sorbent assay. We did not find any statistical association in the entire cohort or after stratification for high-risk HLA-DQ alleles. However, the IL-10 -1082 polymorphism was significantly associated with GAD and IA-2 antibodies at clinical onset. Such polymorphism is known to be associated with the reduction of secreted IL-10 which may support the concept of accelerated Th-1 T-cell reactivity. In conclusion, IL-10 promoter gene variants may contribute, but to a minor extent, to disease susceptibility in juvenile type 1 diabetes and should not be included in the routine genetic screening of high-risk individuals.