Are genetic variations in IL-1β and IL-6 cytokines associated with the risk of pre-eclampsia? Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis study was performed to assess the potential association between interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1143634 and rs16944) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) SNP (rs1800795) and pre-eclampsia (PE).A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the international search engines and databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science (ISI) up to 9 March 2021. After retrieving relevant articles, data extraction was performed by four authors independently. Pooled ORs and corresponding 95% CIs were used to evaluate the association between IL-1β and IL-6 polymorphisms and PE risk. Cochran's Q test was used to check heterogeneity, and the I2 index was calculated for measuring the heterogeneity between the estimations of included studies.After reviewing fully published studies, 21 studies were included in this study based on the eligibility criteria. Our results showed that rs16944 and rs1143634 of IL-1β were significantly associated with the risk of PE. Regarding rs16944, the minor C allele significantly decreased the risk of PE (C vs. T: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.69-0.90). In contrast, the minor T allele of rs1143634 significantly increased the risk of PE (T vs. C: OR = 1. 28, 95% CI = 1.04-1.58). There was no significant association between IL-6 rs1800795 (C vs. G: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.93-1.16) polymorphism and PE risk.In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests rs1143634 and rs16944 polymorphisms of IL-1β are related to the risk of PE.