Are cytokine gene polymorphisms associated with outcome in patients with idiopathic intermediate uveitis in the United Kingdom?
Background/aim: Competing levels of cytokines, either locally within the eye or systemically, may influence the eventual outcome of ocular inflammation. Polymorphism in the promoter part of the genes controlling cytokine production may result in either higher or lower production of the relevant cytokine to a given stimulus. The authors hypothesised that such polymorphisms may relate to visual outcome in patients with idiopathic intermediate uveitis. Methods: DNA was obtained from 125 patients with idiopathic intermediate uveitis and analysed for the interleukin 10 IL-10–1082G/Α and IL-10–819C/T, and interferon γ IFNγ 874T/A gene polymorphisms. Associations with disease were calculated by both allelic frequency and haplotype analysis, and associations between ocular disease outcomes and the presence of polymorphisms were identified. A bad outcome was defined as loss of vision <6/12 Snellen in both eyes at 5 years from presentation when the eyes were quiet. Results: An initial screen sho
