MultiVu Video: The Journal, Human Genetics, Publishes Results Supporting Interleukin Genetics' Heart Health Test

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STORY SUMMARY:

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (Amex: ILI), has announced publication of the results of clinical studies that support the company's Heart Health Genetic Test to assess cardiovascular risk. The article, titled, "IL1B Gene Promoter Haplotype Pairs Predict Clinical Levels of Interleukin-1B and C-reactive Protein," was published in the journal Human Genetics (123:387-398; May 2008) and further confirms prior studies associating variations in the Interleukin 1B (IL1B) gene with the inflammatory response. Sir Gordon W. Duff, M.D., Ph.D., former Director of the Division of Genomic Medicine, University of Sheffield, UK and one of the pioneers in the genetics of inflammatory diseases, was the senior author of the paper.

The IL1B gene is among the first genes activated when the body encounters a challenge of almost any type, ranging from bacterial infections to bad cholesterol. IL-1. initiates a complex cascade of related immune responses. Interleukin Genetics' approach, started over fifteen years ago, is to study variations in regulatory, or on/off switch, regions for these first mover genes and then link them to biological events and risk of inflammatory disease.

Dr. Kenneth Kornman, Chief Scientific Officer at Interleukin Genetics and an author on the paper explained the practical utility of the IL1B genetic information. "We use a simple cheek swab to collect an individual's DNA. Our technologists perform the genetic analysis in our CLIA certified laboratory. A report is generated about an individual's risk for excess inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The privacy-ensured report is sent directly to the individual, who then has access to physicians and genetic counselors to discuss results."

Interleukin Genetics' Heart Health Genetic Test is available to consumers in the U.S. and Canada under the Gensona(R) brand and marketed by Alticor Inc. For more information, please visit: www.ilgenetics.com

About Cardiovascular Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 700,000 people die annually of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the U.S. accounting for nearly 30-percent of all deaths. There are well known environmental risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease such as smoking, diet, inactivity and increased alcohol use. Heredity also plays a factor in cardiovascular disease since other risk factors like high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol tend to run in families. Cardiovascular disease can be reduced by controlling environmental factors and understanding the genetic factors that put people at greater risk for heart disease.

SOURCE Interleukin Genetics, Inc.