Association of Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms (IL6, IL10, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta and IFN-gamma) and Graves' Disease in Turkish Population

Abstract

Introduction: Cytokines play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease, and recent studies have demonstrated an association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and Graves' Disease (GD) in different ethnic groups. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) gene polymorphisms in the development of GD in Turkish population.