Risk Association between TNF-α-308 G>A and IL-6-174 G/C Polymorphisms and Recurrent Transient Ischemic Attacks.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief cerebral ischemic incident. This study assesses the role of TNF-α and IL-6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as predictors of recurrent TIAs that have high risk of developing stroke. The current study enrolled 54 high risk (according to frequency of TIA) TIA (group1), 52 low risk TIA patients (group2) and 34 controls (group3). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA amplification was done followed by restriction endonuclease analysis to detect SNPs of TNF-α-308 G > A and IL-6-174 G/C. TNF-α serum level was analysed by ELISA. Significant increase of TNF-α-308 G > A allele (group1 compared to group2 and control P=0.0001) and genotype TNF-α-308 AA (P≤0.05) were detected. IL6 allele polymorphism revealed insignificant SNPs. The serum TNF-α was higher in group1 compared to control and group2 and as well in TNF-α-308 AA variant in high risk group (P≤0.05). It is concluded that TNF-α-308 G > A SNP might have a role in predicting recurrent TIA with impact on preventive measures of stroke development.