Gene IL-6 and AD risk

[64yoAPOE4Male]

Hi, I've discovered that this gene (Interleukin 6, rs1800795(C;C)) increases risk of AD. I have this gene (as well as APOE4). I'm not clear how its impact compares to AP0E4. I have found some animal and human research on PUBMED which could indicate the Vitamin D3 boosts IL-6 (and other ILs) improving memory. Has anybody looked at this, its a big enough challenge having APOE4 status let alone having another AD risk!

Thank you

Best Wishes

[SusanJ]

Has anybody looked at this, its a big enough challenge having APOE4 status let alone having another AD risk!

Our genes are not necessarily our destiny, but there are things we can do to support/counter variants we'd rather not have.

In relation to IL6-174 Gene and AD risk, this article seems to be the most cited:

Genetic risk factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). In this case-control study, we examined C677T and A1298C (rs1801133 and rs1801131) polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genes and their correlation with plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in AD and VaD cases and evaluated the gene-gene interaction (epistasis) with IL-6-174 G/C (rs1800795). CC genotype was associated with elevated levels of plasma homocysteine (p = 0.004) as compared with genotype AA of rs1801131. In AD, we observed a significant (p = 0.04) association with C alleles of rs1801131. Regression analysis revealed that the presence of both rs1801133 T and rs1800795 C alleles increased the odds of developing AD by 2.5 and VaD by 3.7-fold. While rs1800795 (CC or GC) genotypes alone increased the odds of developing VaD by 2.2-fold, the presence of CC genotype of rs1801131 nullified this effect. The findings support the hypothesis that multiple genes are involved to alter the odds of developing AD and VaD.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22015309

I am also C;C on the IL-6 snp, and my approach is to supplement for my MTHFR C677T (T;T) and try to keep inflammation to a minimum (lifestyle, diet, curcumin and fish oil). If you have MTHFR variants, this might be a good approach for you, too. If you are CC on rs1801131, you might not have to be as concerned about an increased risk.

[64yoAPOE4Male]

Wow, this has been very helpful. Your advice has given enabled me to find more information. I have rs1801131(A;C) ie I do not have C;C). For A;C my 23andMe reports states I should be supplementing : 5-methylfolate (MTHF), methylcobalamin (vitamin B12), and riboflavin (vitamin B2). Of these I'm not yet taking B2 but will start ASAP. My 23andMe report also suggests Betaine (HCL) is needed to reduce high levels of Homocysteine. Foods containing this can apparently help a little (quinoa, spinach, and beets). In addition I am planning to supplement circa 1200mg.

This seems like a sensible approach to me (?)

Thank you I feel I have sense of direction on this now!

[SusanJ]

This seems like a sensible approach to me (?)

Homocysteine is an easy test, so probably worth doing before you throw TMG (betaine) in the mix. Some people can control high homocysteine just with folate, B12, and B6 supplementation.

If you want to do a deeper dive into all things related to folate, B12, TMG, homocysteine, etc, try our methylation wiki.

[64yoAPOE4Male]

Ok, will do this seems sensible.

Thank you !