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IL1B and Osteoarthritis: What Your Genotype May Mean for Joint Health

Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a common condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteoarthritis develops when cartilage that cushions the ends of bones breaks down, leading to friction, inflammation, and pain. The IL1B gene makes a protein called Interleukin 1 beta or IL-1β, a potent inflammatory signaling molecule. Variations in IL1B can influence how much IL-1β your body produces and how strongly your joints respond to injury or wear. This can affect the rate of cartilage breakdown and the severity of arthritis symptoms.

How to Read This Report

This article explains what different genotypes at the IL1B variant rs1143634 can mean for osteoarthritis risk and practical ways to support joint health. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Use this information to learn about genetic predisposition only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medication, supplements, or treatment plans.

Genetic Interpretations

Two effect alleles (AA) — increased risk

If your genotype is AA at rs1143634, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a higher likelihood of increased IL-1β activity and an elevated risk of developing or accelerating osteoarthritis. You may be more prone to joint inflammation that promotes cartilage breakdown and symptom progression.

Practical considerations

  • Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and oily fish rich in omega-3s.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint load, especially on knees and hips.
  • Prioritize regular low-impact exercise such as swimming, cycling, walking, tai chi, or water aerobics to preserve mobility and strengthen muscles around joints.
  • Work with your provider to evaluate supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric (curcumin) for symptom support. Discuss dosage and interactions before starting.
  • Avoid smoking and limit excessive alcohol intake, both of which can worsen inflammation and slow tissue repair.
  • Consider physical therapy, occupational therapy, or structured exercise programs to improve joint mechanics and reduce pain.
  • Monitor symptoms and discuss imaging or referrals with your provider if pain or function declines.
One effect allele (AG) — likely increased risk

If your genotype is AG at rs1143634, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased tendency toward higher IL-1β activity compared with the non-effect genotype. The change is smaller than with two effect alleles but may still contribute to higher susceptibility to joint inflammation and osteoarthritis over time.

Practical considerations

  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory eating pattern emphasizing whole foods, colorful vegetables, berries, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines.
  • Include regular joint-friendly exercise at least 3 times per week. Strength training for surrounding muscles helps unload joints and maintain function.
  • Keep weight in a healthy range to reduce mechanical stress on weight bearing joints.
  • Speak with your clinician about targeted supplements such as fish oil (omega-3), glucosamine, chondroitin, and curcumin. Use supplements only under clinical guidance.
  • Use heat or cold therapy, supportive braces or orthotics, and modifications to daily activities to manage flare ups and reduce joint strain.
  • Discuss screening and monitoring strategies with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms or family history of early onset osteoarthritis.
No effect alleles (GG) — typical risk

If your genotype is GG at rs1143634, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and is associated with baseline IL-1β activity related to osteoarthritis risk. It suggests you do not carry the A allele that has been linked to changes in IL-1β production. While your IL1B-related genetic risk is typical, other genetic and lifestyle factors still influence joint health.

Practical considerations

  • Follow general joint health strategies: balanced anti-inflammatory nutrition, healthy body weight, and regular low-impact exercise to maintain mobility and strength.
  • Use preventive measures such as strength training, flexibility work, and ergonomics to reduce long-term joint wear.
  • Consider supplements or topical agents for joint comfort after discussing risks and benefits with your provider.
  • Seek early care for joint injuries and attend recommended follow up to reduce the chance of accelerated degeneration.

Diet and Nutrition Recommendations

An anti-inflammatory diet supports joint health and overall wellness. Key elements include:

  • Plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables for antioxidants and polyphenols.
  • Omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds to reduce inflammatory signaling.
  • Whole grains and legumes instead of refined carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammatory markers.
  • Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocado in place of saturated and trans fats.
  • Limit processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive red meat which can increase inflammation.
  • Maintain adequate vitamin D and calcium intake to support bone and joint integrity. Test levels if you suspect deficiency and discuss supplementation with your clinician.

Supplements and Topical Options

Discuss supplements with your healthcare provider. Commonly used options for joint support include:

  • Glucosamine and chondroitin: often used for cartilage support and symptom relief in osteoarthritis for some people.
  • Turmeric (curcumin): a natural anti-inflammatory that may reduce joint pain when taken with an appropriate formulation for absorption.
  • Fish oil (omega-3): can help reduce systemic inflammation and joint discomfort.
  • Topical NSAID gels or patches: may provide targeted pain relief for symptomatic joints under provider guidance.

Lifestyle and Exercise

  • Low-impact aerobic exercise: walking, cycling, swimming, and water aerobics preserve cardiovascular health without heavy joint stress.
  • Strength training: builds the muscles that support joints, reducing mechanical load and pain.
  • Flexibility and balance work: yoga, tai chi, and stretching help maintain range of motion and reduce fall risk.
  • Weight management: each pound of excess weight increases load on knee joints. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce symptoms.
  • Quit smoking: smoking impairs circulation and tissue repair and worsens inflammation.
  • Sleep and stress management: poor sleep and chronic stress raise inflammatory mediators. Prioritize sleep hygiene and stress reduction practices.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Contact your provider if you have persistent joint pain, swelling, reduced mobility, or difficulty performing daily activities. Early assessment can lead to interventions that slow progression and improve quality of life. Your provider may recommend physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, targeted medications, injections, or referral to a specialist depending on severity.

Final Notes and Disclaimer

This information is educational and explains how variation at IL1B rs1143634 may influence osteoarthritis risk and practical ways to support joint health. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results in the context of your clinical history, to decide on tests or treatments, and before starting or stopping any supplements or medications.