The protein encoded by the IL-1B gene is a member of the interleukin 1 (IL-1) cytokine family. IL-1 is an important regulator of immune responses and mediator of the inflammatory process and is involved in a variety of cellular activities, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
IL-1 expression is key in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases and it has been associated with metabolic disturbances present in obese subjects such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR). IL-1 genetic variations are associated with variability in both the inflammatory response and the clinical presentation of a range of diseases, including coronary artery disease, Alzheimer's disease, gastric cancer, and periodontitis.
L-1β increases the release of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), secretion of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and adrenal steroidogenesis.
If you carry the G-allele in this gene, then you'll have healthy regulation of the above processes.
If you have a carrier status of the A-allele in this gene, then you are predisposed to an increased level of inflammatory mediators, increasing inflammatory tone in your body and increasing your risk for many lifestyle-related, chronic diseases. The A-allele is the risk genotype as it inhibits zinc, an important immune nutrient cofactor.
When making your daily health choices, it is a good idea for you to consider all IL genetic variations together with your CRP, TNFA, APOE, and HO-1 genotypes.
