Association of IL6 single nucleotide polymorphisms with febrile seizures.

Febrile seizures (FSs) are the most common convulsive event in children. Inflammatory elements and genetics have major roles in their pathogenesis. As of the importance of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in FS, this study was performed to assess IL6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a group of patients with FS. IL6 gene (-174 and +565) SNPs were studied on genomic DNAs of 90 children with FS, using PCR-SSP method. The results were compared to 139 healthy individuals. The presence of the G allele or the GG genotype at +565 position reduced risk of FS, while the A allele at +565 position of the promoter regions was a constituted risk factor for developing FS. This study could support the idea that IL6 SNPs play a role in the pathogenesis of FS.