What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Spinal Disc Health: 5/10 evidence, 50 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Spinal Disc and Metabolic Risk
A baseline genetic profile is associated with a typical risk for spinal disc degeneration and standard waist circumference. This genotype represents the standard level of interleukin-1 alpha expression.
What this genotype means: Baseline risk of spinal disc degeneration; Typical waist circumference.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Significantly Higher Risk of Spinal Disc Disease
Two copies of the A allele are associated with a much higher risk of intervertebral disc disease and a slightly larger waist circumference. This genotype is linked to elevated inflammatory activity in the body.
What this genotype means: ~7.8x higher risk of intervertebral disc disease; Larger average waist circumference; Elevated systemic inflammatory response.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Slightly Higher Risk of Spinal Disc Degeneration
A single copy of the A allele is associated with a slightly increased susceptibility to lumbar disc disease. This genotype may lead to slightly higher levels of inflammation in joint and spinal tissues.
What this genotype means: ~1.3x higher risk of lumbar disc disease; Slightly elevated inflammatory response.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The IL1A gene encodes interleukin-1 alpha, a crucial pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in the body's immune response and inflammatory cascades [1]. It is involved in various cellular activities, including cell growth, tissue repair, and the regulation of other inflammatory mediators [2]. Overproduction or dysregulation of interleukin-1 alpha can lead to chronic inflammatory states and tissue breakdown, particularly in collagen-rich structures like the spine [3]. This gene's activity is closely linked to joint health, bone density, and susceptibility to inflammatory disorders [4].
Variant Impact: The rs1800587 variant, also known as -889C>T, is located in the promoter region of the IL1A gene and directly influences its transcriptional activity [5]. The minor A allele is associated with increased expression of interleukin-1 alpha, leading to heightened inflammatory responses [2]. This elevated inflammation can accelerate the degradation of extracellular matrix in the intervertebral discs, increasing susceptibility to spinal degeneration [6]. Additionally, this variant has been studied for its broader systemic effects on metabolic health and inflammatory pain [7].
Key Insight: This genetic variant can increase the risk of intervertebral disc disease by up to 7.8-fold for individuals carrying two copies of the minor allele. It is also associated with a slightly larger waist circumference and a higher likelihood of persistent pain following a spinal disc herniation.
Location: IL1A. Chromosome 2 · 2q14.1 · 112.8 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 47.0%; European 49.6%; African 37.0%; East Asian 84.9%; South Asian 50.3%; Americas 50.2%; Ashkenazi 43.1%; Finnish 46.8%; Middle Eastern 39.2%; Amish 35.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 42.6%; European 41.6%; African 47.7%; East Asian 14.5%; South Asian 41.3%; Americas 41.3%; Ashkenazi 45.1%; Finnish 43.2%; Middle Eastern 46.8%; Amish 48.3%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 10.5%; European 8.7%; African 15.4%; East Asian 0.6%; South Asian 8.5%; Americas 8.5%; Ashkenazi 11.8%; Finnish 10.0%; Middle Eastern 14.0%; Amish 16.6%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Organ Systems
Bone, Joint & Connective Tissue Health
Spinal Disc Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 17471097. Typical Risk.
Dental & Oral Health
Periodontitis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 31324923. Typical Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Obesity & Body Composition
Waist Circumference. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18716798. Typical.
Neurology & Mental Health
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 19158434. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Spinal Disc Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 17471097. ~7.8x Higher Risk.
Periodontitis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 31324923. Increased Risk.
Waist Circumference. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18716798. Increased.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Spinal Disc Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 17471097. ~1.3x Higher Risk.
Periodontitis. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 31324923. Slightly Increased.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Two copies of the major G allele are associated with standard, baseline levels of interleukin-1 alpha expression [1]. Because there is no genetically driven overproduction of this pro-inflammatory cytokine, the risk of inflammatory breakdown in the spinal discs remains at the typical population level [2]. Research indicates that a baseline genotype does not experience the elevated susceptibility to lumbar disc disease or intervertebral disc herniation seen in carriers of the minor allele [3]. Furthermore, this genetic profile is associated with a typical waist circumference and standard metabolic markers [4]. It represents the most common genetic profile globally, providing a stable baseline for joint, spinal, and metabolic health.
Baseline risk of spinal disc degeneration; Typical waist circumference.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Two copies of the minor A allele are associated with significantly increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 alpha [1]. This heightened inflammatory state can accelerate the breakdown of the extracellular matrix within the spinal discs, leading to a much higher susceptibility to degeneration and herniation [2]. Studies have reported up to a 7.8-fold increase in the risk of intervertebral disc disease for this specific genetic profile [3]. Additionally, research has linked this homozygous variant to a larger average waist circumference, particularly in the presence of other inflammatory or metabolic factors [4]. Proactive measures to support spinal health, such as regular low-impact exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, are particularly relevant.
~7.8x higher risk of intervertebral disc disease; Larger average waist circumference; Elevated systemic inflammatory response.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the minor A allele is linked to a modest increase in the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 alpha [1]. This slight elevation in local inflammation can gradually affect the structural integrity of the intervertebral discs, making them somewhat more vulnerable to wear and tear [2]. Clinical research indicates that a heterozygous genotype carries approximately a 1.3-fold higher risk of developing lumbar disc disease compared to the baseline genotype [3]. While this represents only a mild increase in risk, maintaining good posture, core strength, and spinal hygiene can be beneficial. Other metabolic markers, such as waist circumference, generally remain close to typical levels [4].
~1.3x higher risk of lumbar disc disease; Slightly elevated inflammatory response.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs17561 · IL1A Gene · Chr 2 · Inflammatory Response
rs10733682 · LMX1B Gene · Chr 9 · Body Mass Index
rs10849448 · LTBR Gene · Chr 12 · Respiratory Infection Risk
Interleukin-1 Genotype in Periodontitis.
Functional polymorphism of IL-1 alpha and its potential role in obesity in humans and mice.
Occupational and genetic risk factors associated with intervertebral disc disease.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com