We determined if polymorphisms of cytokine genes influence the risk of developing CLD by genotyping 178 mechanically ventilated very low birth weight (VLBW) infants for the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) -308 G/A, transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) +915 G/C and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) -2518 A/G polymorphisms.
We investigated whether genetic polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10 genes leading to a more intense inflammatory response might predispose very low birth weight (VLBW) infants to the development of ARF in severe infection.