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Understanding IL17F and Your Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis causes joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune form of arthritis where the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues. One gene linked to inflammation and RA risk is IL17F. This gene produces Interleukin 17F, a signaling protein that promotes inflammation. Variations in IL17F can affect how much of this pro-inflammatory protein your body makes and how strongly it responds to immune triggers. That can influence the likelihood of developing RA and the potential severity of joint inflammation and damage.

How to Read Your Genotype Result

This page explains what three possible rs763780 genotypes in the IL17F gene generally mean for RA risk and joint health. Genetic results show predisposition, not certainty. Many factors determine whether someone develops RA, including other genes, environment, infections, lifestyle, and random biological events.

Two effect alleles (CC) — higher genetic risk

If your genotype is CC at rs763780, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Your IL17F variant may influence production or activity of Interleukin 17F, a pro-inflammatory cytokine linked to joint inflammation and tissue breakdown. Clinical and laboratory studies show elevated IL-17F is often associated with more severe RA and greater joint damage.

What this means for you

  • You have a higher genetic predisposition compared to the general population, but it does not guarantee disease development.
  • Early attention to joint symptoms is important. Report persistent joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes, or reduced range of motion to your healthcare provider.
  • Consider more proactive prevention strategies focused on reducing systemic inflammation and preserving joint function.
One effect allele (CT) — likely increased risk

If your genotype is CT, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This configuration is associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, though typically less than the CC genotype. The CT genotype may modestly alter Interleukin 17F production or activity, which can influence inflammatory responses in joints.

What this means for you

  • You have an elevated genetic predisposition compared to people without the effect allele, but most people with CT do not develop RA.
  • Monitoring joint health and reducing modifiable risk factors can lower the chance of disease onset or progression.
  • Early lifestyle changes and symptom awareness are useful steps for long term joint health.
Zero effect alleles (TT) — typical risk

If your genotype is TT, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and is not associated with increased RA risk through this IL17F variant. Your IL17F sequence in this location is typical for the general population and does not predispose you to elevated inflammatory activity via this genetic pathway.

What this means for you

  • Your risk from this specific IL17F variant is not elevated. However, other genes and lifestyle factors still influence overall RA risk.
  • Maintaining protective habits is still important to support healthy joints and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

Practical Actions to Support Joint Health

PlexusDx provides this information to help you understand genetic predispositions. This information is educational and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about symptoms, testing, and before starting supplements or new treatments.

Diet Recommendations

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Aim for a variety of colorful produce to maximize antioxidant intake.
  • Include fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, or trout at least twice weekly. Omega-3s help reduce inflammatory signaling.
  • Choose lean proteins and plant proteins. Minimize processed meats and high saturated fat foods that may promote inflammation.
  • Use extra virgin olive oil as a primary fat for cooking and dressings. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
  • Limit refined sugars, refined carbohydrates, and excess alcohol which can increase systemic inflammation.
  • If you have food sensitivities that worsen joint symptoms, work with a clinician or dietitian to identify and address them.

Supplement Recommendations (Discuss with Your Provider)

  • Omega-3 fish oil: May reduce joint pain and stiffness for some people. Typical doses range from 1,000 to 3,000 mg EPA + DHA daily, but use under clinician guidance.
  • Vitamin D: Adequate vitamin D supports immune regulation. Check blood levels and supplement if deficient according to your healthcare provider.
  • Turmeric/curcumin: May have mild anti-inflammatory effects. Bioavailable formulations are preferred. Discuss with your provider if you take blood thinners.
  • Probiotics: Emerging evidence suggests gut microbiome health affects immune function. A clinician can advise on appropriate strains and dosing.

Lifestyle and Self Care

  • Exercise regularly with low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and tai chi. Strength training and flexibility work support joint stability and function.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce mechanical stress on joints and lower systemic inflammation.
  • Manage stress using practices such as mindfulness, yoga, breathing exercises, or counseling. Chronic stress can worsen immune dysregulation.
  • Prioritize sleep hygiene. Aim for consistent, restorative sleep to support immune and joint recovery.
  • Avoid smoking. Tobacco use is a known risk factor for many autoimmune conditions including RA.

Monitoring and Medical Considerations

  • Watch for early RA signs: persistent joint swelling, symmetrical joint involvement, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, unexplained fatigue, or weight loss.
  • If symptoms occur, seek evaluation from a healthcare provider or a rheumatologist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent joint damage and improve outcomes.
  • Discuss blood tests with your provider if concerned. Tests may include inflammatory markers such as ESR and CRP, rheumatoid factor, and anti-CCP antibodies, as well as vitamin D level and other relevant labs.
  • Medication options for treating RA range from NSAIDs for symptom relief to disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic therapies that target specific immune pathways. Those decisions are made with a clinician based on your situation.

Final Notes and Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you understand potential predispositions. This information is educational and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Genetic predisposition is only one piece of risk. Lifestyle, environment, other genes, and chance all play a role. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified specialist before making medical decisions, starting supplements, or changing treatments based on genetic information.