The Effect of IL-4 Gene Polymorphism in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a neurological disorder characterized by paresthesia and pain in the hands due to lesions and /or dysfunction of the median nerve at the wrist. The exact pathogenesis of CTS is not clear. Genetic factors may play a role in CTS susceptibility. Biochemical mediators such as cytokines may have a role in carpal tunnel mediated neuropathy. The aim of the present study was to analyse the association of IL-4 VNTR polymorphism with CTS susceptibility and disease progression in patients with CTS in a Turkish population. Material and Method: The study included 155 patients with CTS and 140 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the IL-4 gene 70 bp VNTR polymorphisms. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to IL-4 genotype distribution (p>0.05). The P1 allele was significantly higher in CTS patients than in healthy controls (p<0.05; OR: 1.608, 95% CI: 1.05-2.44). There was no difference between IL-4 genotype distribution and clinical characteristics of patients (p> 0.05). Discussion: Our findings indicate that the IL-4 70 bp VNTR polymorphism is not a relevant CTS marker and that the P1 allele may be related to CTS in a Turkish population. Further research with larger patient populations is necessary to ascertain the implications of IL-4 and anti-inflammatory cytokines polymorphisms in CTS.