Abstract

BackgroundIL-35 modulates immune and inflammatory responses during infections. Here, we investigated IL-35 levels and a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs3761548, in FOXP3 gene in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients with peptic ulcer (PU), to clarify possible associations. Materials and MethodsThis study includes 100 H.pylori-infected PU patients, 100 H.pylori-infected asymptomatic subjects (AS), and 100 noninfected healthy subjects (NHSs). Serum IL-35 levels and the genotyping were determined using ELISA and RFLP-PCR methods, respectively. ResultsIn PU patients, the IL-35 levels were lower than AS and NHS groups (P<.001). The IL-35 levels in CagA(+)H.pylori-infected participants from PU and AS groups were lower than individuals infected with CagA(-) strains (P<.02 and P<.04, respectively). Women had higher IL-35 levels than men among PU, AS, and NHS groups (P<.0001). In PU patients, AA genotype and A allele at rs3761548 were more frequent than total healthy subjects (AS + NHS groups) and associated with an increased PU risk (AA genotype: OR = 5.51, P<.0001; A allele: OR = 3.857, P<.002). In PU and AS groups, IL-35 levels were lower in subjects displaying AA genotype or A allele than subjects displaying CC genotype or C allele, respectively (P<.0001 and P<.03 for PU patients; P<.001 and P<.02 for AS group, respectively). ConclusionsDecreased IL-35 levels could be involved in PU development in H.pylori-infected individuals. IL-35 levels are affected by CagA status of H.pylori, participants gender, and genetic variations at rs3761548. The AA genotype and A allele at rs3761548 could represent a risk factor for PU development.