Genetic Predisposition of TNF-α (-308), TGF-β-1 
(-508) and IL-35(EBI3) Gene Polymorphisms towards Rheumatic Heart Disease in the Population of Telangana from South India

Background: Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a complex disease, subject to genetic and environmental factors. Cytokines play an important role in development and pathogenesis of the rheumatic heart disease. TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-35 gene polymorphisms may affect the expression levels of cytokines which may lead to damage to the heart valves.
Objective: This study was intended to explore the association of TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-35 gene polymorphisms with RHD.
Materials and Methods: The present case control study consisted of 145 patients with rheumatic heart disease and 217 control subjects in the same age group. Genotyping was done for the TNF-α (-308), TGF-β-1 (-508) and IL-35(EBI3) gene polymorphisms in both case and control groups.
Results: The results showed Bone differences in the distribution of genotypes in TNF-α, TGF-β and IL-35 genes RHD cases and control groups. However, the statistical analysis of the data showed the differences in the genotypes between TNF alpha (-308 G>A), TGF-β-1 (C-508T) and IL-35 EBI3G/C genes RHD case and control subjects were not found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: In conclusion our study could not find any significant association between TNF-α (-308), TGF-β-1 (-508) and IL-35(EBI3) gene polymorphisms and RHD.

Key words: Rheumatic Heart Disease, Cytokines, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha, Transforming growth factor beta 1, Interleukin, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism.