Objective To investigate the polymorphisms in interleukin 17A IL-17A) and interleukin 17F (IL-17F) and their relationship with pulmonary inflammation risk of dust exposed workers. Methods A case-control study among 193 subjects, including 67 subjects in case group and 126 in control group was conducted. PCR-RFLP was applied to genotype IL-17A (G-197A) and IL-17F (7488T/C). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effects of IL-17A (G-197A) and IL-17F (7488T/C) on the lung inflammation risk in dust exposed workers. Results The genotypes analysis showed that the proportions of IL-17A (G-197A) A/A, A/G and G/G were 42 (21.76%), 95 (49.22%), 56 (29.02%) in 193 cases, respectively, and the IL-17F (7488T/C) T/T, T/C and C/C genotypes were 128 (66.32%), 54 (28.98%), 11 (5.70%), respectively. The frequency distribution of each genotype was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium fixed law. The ratio of IL-17A (G-197A) A/A in the case group was lower than that of control group ( P<0.05), while the G/G and A/G genotypes were higher than that of control group ( P<0.05). Furthermore, the genotypes of IL-17A (G-197A) A/G (OR=5.03, P<0.01) and G/G(OR=3.35, P<0.05) were associated with an increased risk of lung inflammation in workers exposed to dust. The frequency distribution difference of IL-17F (7488T/C) T/T, T/C and C/C genotypes in the cases and control group was unobvious ( P>0.05). Conclusion Under the same dust concentration, the dust exposed workers carrying IL-17A (G-197A) A/G, G/G genotypes are more susceptible to pulmonary inflammation in the southwest of China.
