Assessment of IL-27 T4730C polymorphism and its serum levels in neonatal cholestasis patients

Abstract Background The immune system and many genes have been linked to bile tract damage in neonatal cholestasis (NC), resulting in liver retention of biliary contents. The most commonly recognized cause of NC is biliary atresia (BA). Objectives The study investigated the effect of the IL27 rs181206 polymorphism on NC risk and its potential association with blood IL-27 levels. Methodology This study included 41 NC patients (20 BA and 21 non-BA), and 20 healthy controls. The diagnosis of NC has been confirmed by a cholestasis workup that includes radiographic evidence, laboratory-based analysis, and clinical observations. The genotype of the variation IL-27 rs181206 was assessed using a pre-made Taqman test. Serum levels of IL27 were determined using a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Compared to controls, individuals with NC had a greater frequency of the T allele (98.8% vs. 60%) ( P value 0.002). Those with the TT genotype had a 17.14-fold increased risk of developing NC in the dominant model [OR, 17.14 (95% CI, 1.89 to 155.14); P = 0.004]. NC infants had significantly higher serum levels of IL-27 (98.180 ± 34.96 for BA and 100.757 ± 46.42 for non-BA) than controls (76.070 ± 5.8650). However, IL-27 serum levels did not differ significantly among different genotypes. Conclusion The T allele and TT genotype could increase the risk of NC susceptibility. Understanding IL27’s role in NC pathogenesis can help to use it as a diagnostic marker or therapeutic target.