IL6R Gene Polymorphisms and Their Relation to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Susceptibility in the Chinese Population

Background: This work was designed to explore the correlation between IL6R polymorphisms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) susceptibility. Methods: Agena MassARRAY was used to genotype five SNPs of IL6R in 498 patients with COPD and 498 controls. Genetic models and haplotype analysis were used to assess the associations between SNPs and COPD risk. Results: Rs6689306 and rs4845625 increase the risk of COPD. Rs4537545, rs4129267 and rs2228145 were related to a decreased risk of COPD in different subgroups. Haplotype analysis revealed that GTCTC, GCCCA and GCTCA contributed to a reduced risk of COPD after adjustment. Conclusion: IL6R polymorphisms are significantly associated with COPD susceptibility.