Bassem Yamout1, Nathalie M Karaky2, Rami A R Mahfouz2, Fadel Jaber2, Nour Estaitieh3, Dina Shamaa2, Fatmeh Abbas2, Rouba Hoteit2, Rose T Daher4. 1. Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon. 2. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon. 3. Department of Neurology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon. 4. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon. Electronic address: rd02@aub.edu.lb.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease affecting mostly young adult females with multifactorial etiology. Recent studies suggested that adequate vitamin D levels may lower the risk of developing MS. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to explore the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism, HLA-DR locus genotype, and serum vitamins D and A levels in the Lebanese population. METHODS: Fifty MS patients were recruited for this study. The control group consisted of 48 healthy and 51 patients with other neurological disorders (non-MS). Biochemical analysis included serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and vitamin A. Molecular analysis targeted VDR genotypes (ApaI, TaqI and BsmI) and low resolution HLA typing for DRB1 locus. RESULTS: Healthy and non-MS groups had comparable parameters and were combined into one control group. No significant differences were found between MS and control groups for VDR genotypes. The frequency of HLA-DRB1*15 was significantly higher in MS patients (22%) compared to controls (8%) (p=0.018). Odds ratio for MS in the presence of DRB1*15 allele was 3.21 (p=0.018). Cosegregation with A (ApaI) and b (BsmI) alleles did not influence the risk for MS. 25OHD levels were significantly higher in MS patients compared to controls (p=0.002), due to more frequent oral supplementation (p=0.005). Vitamin A levels were comparable between the two groups. When all parameters were included in a logistic regression model adjusted for supplementation, only HLA-DRB1*15 (OR=3.42; p=0.027) contributed significantly to MS risk. CONCLUSION: There was no association between serum vitamin D or A or VDR genotypes and MS. HLA-DRB1*15 was the major factor imposing more than 3 folds greater risk for developing MS among Lebanese.
BACKGROUND:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease affecting mostly young adult females with multifactorial etiology. Recent studies suggested that adequate vitamin D levels may lower the risk of developing MS. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to explore the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism, HLA-DR locus genotype, and serum vitamins D and A levels in the Lebanese population. METHODS: Fifty MS patients were recruited for this study. The control group consisted of 48 healthy and 51 patients with other neurological disorders (non-MS). Biochemical analysis included serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and vitamin A. Molecular analysis targeted VDR genotypes (ApaI, TaqI and BsmI) and low resolution HLA typing for DRB1 locus. RESULTS: Healthy and non-MS groups had comparable parameters and were combined into one control group. No significant differences were found between MS and control groups for VDR genotypes. The frequency of HLA-DRB1*15 was significantly higher in MS patients (22%) compared to controls (8%) (p=0.018). Odds ratio for MS in the presence of DRB1*15 allele was 3.21 (p=0.018). Cosegregation with A (ApaI) and b (BsmI) alleles did not influence the risk for MS. 25OHD levels were significantly higher in MS patients compared to controls (p=0.002), due to more frequent oral supplementation (p=0.005). Vitamin A levels were comparable between the two groups. When all parameters were included in a logistic regression model adjusted for supplementation, only HLA-DRB1*15 (OR=3.42; p=0.027) contributed significantly to MS risk. CONCLUSION: There was no association between serum vitamin D or A or VDR genotypes and MS. HLA-DRB1*15 was the major factor imposing more than 3 folds greater risk for developing MS among Lebanese.