Is rs763780 in IL-17F gene considered risk factor to multiple sclerosis in Egyptian patients?

Association of interleukin-17F (rs763780) single nucleotide polymorphism with multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis

IL-17F single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) can affect IL-17F expression and activity and this can lead to the increased susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases. The aim was to investigate the association of IL-17F (rs763780) SNP with the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a cohort of Egyptian patients and to evaluate the effect of this polymorphism on the disease course. IL-17F (rs763780) gene polymorphisms was typed by TaqMan genotyping assay for 231 Egyptians divided into 102 MS patients and 129 healthy controls with matched age and sex. The IL-17F rs763780 C containing genotypes (CT+CC) and C allele have statistically significant increased frequency in MS patients when compared with controls (p = 0.005 and 0.004 respectively) especially in females' patients (p = 0.005 and 0.006 respectively). The heterozygous CT genotype was associated with the presence of optic neuritis (p = 0.038). The multivariable regression analysis revealed significant associations between smoking, the higher frequency of attacks and the prediction of higher EDSS score (p = 0.032, 0.049 respectively). It can be concluded that the IL-17F rs763780 C containing genotypes (CT and CC) and C allele may be risk factors for the development of MS in the studied Egyptian cohort by a gender-dependent mechanism that contributes to tendency for predisposition in females and optic neuritis is more common in patients carrying the CT heterozygous genotype.

Relevance of Helicobacter pylori infection in Egyptian multiple sclerosis patients

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder. The etiology of MS remains unknown exactly. Helicobacter pylori heat shock proteins were suggested as a potential trigger of immune system causing MS.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the level of anti-Helicobacter pylori heat shock proteins 60 (Hp hsp60) antibodies at patients of MS and to correlate it with various epidemiological and clinical data.

Subjects and methods

This study design was a cross-sectional case control one. A total of 65 patients with multiple sclerosis diagnosed according to 2010 revised McDonald criteria and other 65 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. All participants were subjected to full history taking, complete neurological examination including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for the patients, measurement of serum level of anti-Hp hsp60 IgG using ELISA technique, and MRI brain for all the patients, being a goldstone for inclusion in the study.

Results

There was statistically significant high level of anti-Hp hsp60 IgG at MS patients especially secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients. Moreover, a positive statistically significant correlation was found between it and age of patients, duration of illness, and EDSS.

Conclusion

We conclude that hsp60 of Hp may be a useful biomarker for attesting course progression in MS.

STAT4 gene polymorphism in two major autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis and juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus) and its relation to disease severity

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are chronic autoimmune mediated diseases with strong genetic and environmental components. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of STAT4 gene polymorphism with multiple sclerosis (MS) and juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JO-SLE) and its relation to disease severity.

Methods

Group 1 consisted of 40 MS patients while group 2 included 40 JO-SLE patients. Forty healthy volunteers (controls) were included in this study. STAT4 genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results

The STAT4 CC genotype and GC genotype frequencies were significantly more detected in MS and JO-SLE patients than in controls. The frequency of the STAT4 C allele was significantly higher in patients with MS and those with JSLE compared to controls. Malar rash, photosensitivity, and hair falling were significantly more detected in CC subtype. Malar rash, photosensitivity, and hair falling were significantly more detected in CC subtype. Increased 24-h protein in urine (mg/24 h) and ANA positivity, anti-ds-DNA, anti Sm antibodies’ detection and decreased C3 and C4 levels showed a significantly difference in CC patients. Meanwhile, only increased 24-h protein in urine (mg/24 h) and ANA positivity were significantly more detected in GC patients. STAT4 CC genotype showed a significant increase in the SLE activity index (SLEAI) score and damage index as compared to the STAT4 GG genotype patients. No significant difference was detected in MS Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) comparing different STATE 4 genotypes.

Conclusions

STAT4 polymorphism was significantly associated with MS and JO-SLE. Though homozygous JO-SLE patients are more risky for severe disease manifestations, homozygous MS patients are not risky for severe disease disability.