# Homozygous AA Genotype of IL-17A and 14-bp Insertion Polymorphism in HLA-G 3′UTR Are Associated with Increased Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

## TL;DR

This study finds that specific genetic variations in IL-17A and HLA-G are linked to a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in a Brazilian population.

## Contribution

The study identifies novel associations between IL-17A and HLA-G genetic polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus risk in a specific population.

## Key findings

- The IL-17A rs2275913 AA genotype is associated with a nearly ten-fold increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.
- The HLA-G 14-bp insertion insertion genotype is linked to a significantly increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.
- The IL-17RA polymorphism does not show significant associations with gestational diabetes mellitus risk.

## Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, with unclear genetic mechanisms. The specific involvement of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-17A, and the immuno-tolerogenic HLA-G remains poorly understood in GDM. We aimed to explore the associations of three polymorphisms, IL-17A -197G>A (rs2275913), IL-17RA -947A>G (rs4819554), and HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion (indel), with GDM risk in a Brazilian population. We conducted a case-control study (79 GDM cases and 79 controls). Genetic polymorphisms were analyzed using PCR–RFLP, with DNA extracted using the Salting-out procedure. Significant associations were identified between -197G>A rs2275913 and HLA-G 14-bp indel polymorphisms in both codominant and recessive models. The IL-17A rs2275913 AA genotype was associated with a nearly ten-fold increased risk of GDM in both the codominant (p = 0.021, OR 9.89, 95% CI: 1.63–59.92) and recessive models (p = 0.006, OR 9.33, 95% CI: 1.57–55.38). Similarly, the HLA-G 14-bp Ins/Ins genotype was associated with an increased risk in both the codominant (p = 0.026, OR 3.34, 95% CI: 0.98–11.41) and recessive models (p = 0.010, OR 4.20, 95% CI: 1.36–12.96). IL-17RA polymorphism showed no significant associations. The study findings highlight the potential genetic and immune factors associated with GDM, particularly the -197G>A rs2275913 and HLA-G 14-bp indel polymorphisms. Further functional characterization is warranted to uncover the mechanism of genotype–phenotype association.