Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with rate of decline in lung function

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether genetic variants involved in cytokine expression are associated with the age-related rate of decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). METHODS: Functional polymorphisms in the TNFα, TGFβ1, IL-1β, IL-1RN, IL-13, and IL-8 genes were investigated in 374 active firefighters with at least five pulmonary function tests. RESULTS: A protective effect was found between the presence of the TGFβ1 -509 TT genotype and rate of decline in FEV1 (P = 0.043). Carrying an A allele at TNFα -308 (P = 0.010) and GG genotype at TNFα -238 (P = 0.028) was associated with a more rapid rate of FEV1 decline. The TNFα -308A/-238G haplotype was also associated with an increased rate of decline as compared with the other haplotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Interindividual variability in progressive decline in FEV1 may be explained in part by genetic variations within genes involved in inflammatory responses.