Does cytokine gene polymorphism affect steroid responses in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome?
GROUND: Immunological responses may be possibly involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Cytokines act as a potent immunomodulator. Pathogenesis of INS is associated with Th1 and Th2 cytokines imbalance. AIMS, SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We have investigated the association of IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms and analyzed the data to evaluate the effect of these polymorphisms on the pathogenesis and clinical course of INS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty children with INS were selected. Children were analyzed for IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test was used for different comparisons. The synergistic effects of IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms were evaluated by using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We compared the steroid-resistant (SR) and steroid-responsive (SS) groups. Our resu
