DNA methylation analyses were not previously performed for the LCR in IL-10 locus but it stands to reason that as the LCR in IL-4 locus, DNA demethylation is needed for the maintenance of this LCR functionality. The LCR in IL-10 locus was found more methylated in the CPA individuals compared to controls. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that higher methylation in T cells in this region may account, in part, for the decreased in IL-10 expression observed in the plasma of the CPA group. Similarly, IL-8 results are consistent with the hypothesis that higher methylation in CPA individuals reduces IL-8 expression levels by inhibiting binding of transcriptional activators.
