Polymorphisms in Interleukin-2 and Interleukin-7 Receptor α-Chain Genes and Human Herpes Virus-6 as Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to examine whether a Human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) infection increases the risk of MS in individuals harboring particular cytokine receptor α-chain gene alleles. Study Design: MS patients and controls were assessed for HHV-6 DNA and for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in their IL7RA and IL2RA genes. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, American University of Beirut, between March 2011 and March 2013. Methodology: Blood samples from 100 MS patients and 100 controls were investigated for the presence of HHV-6 by nested PCR. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL7RA and IL2RA genes were examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: HHV-6 was detected in 58% of MS patients and 32% of controls (OR = 2.935, 95% CI = 1.582-5.463, p=0.000). We did not detect a statistically significant correlation between MS and the studied rs2104286, rs12722489 SNPs in the IL2RA gene and rs6897932 SNP in the IL7RA gene. Concomitant presence of rs2104286 and HHV-6 was detected in 56% of patients and 30% of controls (OR=2.970, 95% CI=1.594-5.53, P=0.000). Similarly, rs6897932 and HHV-6 were observed in 57% of patients and 28% of controls (OR=3.409, 95% CI= 1.815-6.428, P=0.000). Therefore, double positivity moderately increased the risk of MS compared to either factor alone. HHV-6 and rs12722489 double positivity did not increase the risk of MS. Conclusion: HHV-6 infections may enhance the risk of MS in subjects with particular genetic determinants.
Authors and Affiliations
Layal Fayad, Aline Kherlopian, Alexander M. Abdelnoor, Bassem Yamout, Elias A. Rahal
Eye Care Service Utilization among Health Workers in Mercy Hospital, Abak
Background: The assessment of the level of and barriers to utilization of eye care services is paramount in combating visual impairment and blindness which are major health problems worldwide. Objectives: To determine th...
The Value of Cytology in the Diagnosis of Pleural Effusions
The aim of this study is to assess the value of cytology in the diagnosis of pleural effusions. It is a retrospective review of the patients with pleural effusions admitted at our clinic in a 8-year period. We evaluated...
Clinical Characteristics and Pathophysiological Features of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Recent Advances and Future Challenges
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)/Willi’s-Ekbom disease (WED) or Jimmy Legs is a neurological sensory-motor disorder that causes intense restlessness and unpleasant creepy-crawly feelings inside the lower legs at rest. It can...
Microalbuminuria in Patients with Recent Ischaemic Cerebrovascular Stroke: A Cross Sectional Study
Objectives: Microalbuminuria is an integrated marker of both kidney disease and endothelial dysfunction may be associated with global vascular risk. The purpose of the study was to assess the association of microalbuminu...
The Evaluation of Laparoscopic Orchiopexy on the Treatment of Non-palpable Undescended Testes
Objectives: Cryptorchidism is the most frequent birth anomaly in boys with 2-5% prevalence in full term infants. This anomaly is associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer and infertility as well as hernia, t...