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Understanding IL-17F and Your Risk for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It develops when the cartilage that cushions and protects joints breaks down over time. Many factors influence whether someone develops osteoarthritis, including age, weight, joint injuries, repetitive stress, and genetics. One gene that plays a role in inflammation and joint health is IL-17F. Variations in this gene can change how the body responds to inflammation and may influence the risk of cartilage damage.

What IL-17F Does

The IL-17F gene encodes a protein that is part of the immune system's signaling network. This protein helps coordinate inflammatory responses by communicating between immune cells and other tissues. In joints, IL-17F can affect cartilage cells called chondrocytes. When IL-17F signaling is altered, chondrocytes may produce substances that accelerate cartilage breakdown, contributing to the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

How to Read Your Result

The genetic variant rs763780 in IL-17F has two alleles: C (effect allele) and T (non-effect allele). Your genotype at this position helps indicate whether IL-17F-related inflammation may play a larger or typical role in your joint health. Below are clear, actionable interpretations for each genotype along with practical lifestyle, diet, supplement, and monitoring recommendations you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

Two effect alleles (CC) — increased risk

What this means: You carry two copies of the C effect allele. This genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis compared to people without this variant. Altered IL-17F signaling may make cartilage more vulnerable to inflammation-driven breakdown.

Practical steps to support joint health:

  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern: focus on a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats such as olive oil and fatty fish.
  • Prioritize omega-3 fatty acids: aim for regular fatty fish consumption (for example, salmon, sardines, mackerel) or discuss a fish oil supplement with your provider.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin D status: vitamin D supports bone and immune health. Have your provider check serum 25(OH)D and supplement if levels are low.
  • Consider joint support supplements: glucosamine and chondroitin are commonly used to support cartilage comfort. Discuss potential benefits, dosing, and safety with your provider.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: excess body weight increases load on weight bearing joints. Modest weight loss often reduces pain and improves function.
  • Exercise regularly with low-impact activities: walking, swimming, cycling, and targeted strength training help preserve joint function and support cartilage by promoting healthy joint mechanics.
  • Manage inflammation and stress: chronic stress and poor sleep can worsen inflammatory signaling. Prioritize sleep hygiene, stress reduction techniques, and mind body practices like yoga or meditation.
  • Protect joints during activity: use good body mechanics, avoid repetitive joint overload, and consider physical therapy for guidance on safe strengthening and mobility work.
  • Monitor joint symptoms: track pain, stiffness, range of motion, and any swelling. Early evaluation of increasing symptoms allows earlier intervention to slow progression.
One effect allele (CT) — likely increased risk

What this means: You carry one copy of the C effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk of osteoarthritis relative to people with no copies. You may have modestly altered IL-17F signaling that can influence low grade chronic inflammation in joints over time.

Practical steps to support joint health:

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods and excess added sugars.
  • Include omega-3 rich foods or supplements as appropriate to support a balanced inflammatory profile.
  • Check vitamin D and correct deficiency under the guidance of your provider.
  • Consider periodic use of joint-support supplements after discussing with your provider, especially if you have early symptoms.
  • Keep a healthy body weight and incorporate strength training to support muscles around joints, which reduces mechanical stress on cartilage.
  • Engage in consistent low-impact aerobic activity for joint health and overall inflammation control.
  • Address sleep and stress management to minimize systemic inflammation that can affect joints.
  • Have routine checkups to evaluate joint health and discuss any new pain or functional changes promptly.
No effect alleles (TT) — typical risk

What this means: You carry two copies of the T non-effect allele. For this specific IL-17F variant, your genotype does not increase osteoarthritis risk via that pathway. Your IL-17F protein is likely functioning in the common pattern seen across the population.

Practical steps to support joint health:

  • Continue or adopt healthy joint habits: anti-inflammatory diet, regular low-impact exercise, and weight management.
  • Focus on prevention: strength training for joint support, balance exercises to reduce fall risk, and ergonomics during repetitive tasks.
  • Address other modifiable risk factors such as smoking cessation and controlling metabolic health conditions that can influence joint health.
  • Use baseline monitoring: periodic assessments of joint comfort and function help detect early changes where intervention can be most effective.
  • Discuss supplements and testing with your healthcare provider only if you develop symptoms or have additional risk factors.

Diet, Supplements, and Lifestyle Recommendations

Regardless of genotype, these evidence-informed strategies help support joint health and may lower the impact of inflammation on cartilage:

  • Anti-inflammatory diet: emphasize whole foods, fiber rich vegetables and fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Healthy fats: include sources of omega-3s such as fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and ground flaxseed. Replace excess saturated fats with unsaturated fats.
  • Weight management: aim for a healthy body weight to reduce mechanical load on joints and improve metabolic health.
  • Exercise: combine regular aerobic activity with strength training and flexibility work. Low-impact choices protect joints while improving function.
  • Supplements to discuss with your provider: omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D if deficient, glucosamine and chondroitin for symptomatic support.
  • Joint protection: use proper footwear, avoid repetitive joint overuse, and use assistive devices when recommended.
  • Sleep, stress, and recovery: prioritize restorative sleep, stress reduction, and allow adequate recovery between exercise sessions.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent joint pain, marked stiffness, swelling, locking, or reduced range of motion. Your provider can evaluate symptoms, order imaging or laboratory testing if needed, and discuss personalized prevention and treatment options. If you are considering starting supplements, weight loss plans, or new exercise programs, consult your provider to ensure they fit your overall health profile.

Important: PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice and does not replace care from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, exercise, or medical care based on genetic information.