Impact of polymorphisms of inflammatory response genes on the development of occupational and work-related diseases (literature review)

Inflammation, the key regulators of which are cytokines, is a universal pathogenetic process underlying the development of occupational diseases. Genetic variability in inflammatory response genes determines predisposition of the body to adverse effects of hazards and the disease onset. Gene polymorphisms are considered as biomarkers of susceptibility for identifying risk groups among workers, laying the foundation for personalized disease prevention and pharmacogenetics. In this regard, it is necessary to systematize and analyze research data on the role of polymorphisms of key inflammatory response genes in the formation of individual predisposition to the development of occupational and work-related diseases.

We searched for relevant reports in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, eLIBRARY, and CyberLeninka databases using the following keywords: occupational diseases, inflammatory response genes, interleukins, TNF-α, and polymorphisms, and selected forty nine scientific papers for the review. Most studies on the influence of inflammatory response gene polymorphisms were found for occupational respiratory and skin diseases. Promising biomarkers for these disorders include TNF-α gene polymorphisms (rs1800629, rs361525); the A allele and AA genotype are associated with the development of pneumoconiosis, silicosis, asbestosis, and occupational dermatitis. Polymorphisms of the IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 genes have also been reported to play a role in the development of occupational diseases. However, the alleles and genotypes associated with the risk or protection from occupational diseases vary depending on ethnic characteristics and pre-existing non-occupational conditions.

Conclusions. Polymorphisms of inflammatory response genes make a significant contribution to individual susceptibility to occupational diseases, particularly those affecting the lungs and skin. Their role has been best documented for polymorphisms of the TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 genes. However, further large-scale and functional studies taking into account the gene–environment interplay, population characteristics, and phenotype standardization are needed to implement genetic markers in clinical practice.

Contribution:
Kikot A.M., Shaikhova D.R., Bereza I.A. – literature review on the topic and draft manuscript preparation;
Sutunkova M.P. – study conception and design, editing.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: March 12, 2026 / Accepted: May 20, 2026 / Published: June 18, 2026

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