SNPs at IL‐2 and IL‐10 genes are associated with respiratory infection in the elderly and may modulate the effect of vitamin E on lower respiratory infections in elderly women

Vitamin E (E) supplementation has been suggested as a preventative measure against respiratory infections (RI) in the elderly. Previously, we showed that E reduced RI in some but not all nursing home residents. The efficacy of E supplementation may depend on individual factors, including specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at immunoregulatory genes. We examined whether a E‐gene interaction might explain individual responses to E for protection from RI using data from a previous E intervention study in elderly nursing home residents. The genotype of common SNPs at IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ genes were determined. The effect of E on lower respiratory infections (LRIs) depended on gender and IL‐10 ‐819G>A (P=0.03 for interaction). Further, IL‐2 ‐330A>C (P=0.02 for upper respiratory infection (URI)), IL‐10 ‐819G>A (P=0.08 for URI) and IL‐10 ‐1082C>T (P<0.001 for LRI in men) were associated with RI independent of E. Genetics and gender should be considered in future studies of E and LRI. SNPs at cytokine genes may be linked to individual risk of RI in the elderly. Supported by NIA NIH grant 5R01‐AG013975, USDA agreement 58‐1950‐7‐707, and a DSM Nutritional Products, Inc. scholarship. CIBEROBN is an initiative of ISCIII.