Abstract
BACKGROUND: The association of the interleukin (IL)-12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms with ulcerative colitis (UC) risk has been extensively investigated, but results are conflicting. In this study, we investigated potential link between the IL-12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms and UC development in Chinese Han population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Genotyping was performed in 367 patients and 456 controls through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Plasma levels of IL-12B were tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: We found that the IL-12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms were related to a significantly increased risk of UC. Subgroup analyses revealed significant associations of the IL-12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms with UC risk among females, consumers of alcohol, and those aged <40 years. Additionally, the rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms were associated with lesion location and UC treatment. Last, we found that these two polymorphisms were associated with IL-12B levels. CONCLUSIONS: The IL-12B gene rs6887695 and rs2288831 polymorphisms were associated with a higher risk, and the clinical characteristics, of UC.