Author/Authors :
Hadavi, V Dept. of Human Genetics & Anthropology, School of Public Health & Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Hushmand, M National Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Sanati, M.H National Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Farhud, D.D National Research Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Nabavi, S.M Shahed Medical University, Department of Neurology , Seyedian, M Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Roozbeh Hospital , Younesian, M Dept. of Environmental Health Engineering , School of Public Health & Institute of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Abstract :
Background: The apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism is
known to affect various neurologic disorders with different
effects on the immune system and CNS repair. However, previous
studies on possible modulation of the clinical course of
multiple sclerosis (MS) by APOE polymorphism have been
inconsistent.
Objective: To clarify the issue for MS patients' management
and future research.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study investigated 81
patients with clinically proven MS and related their clinical
and demographic findings to the allelic polymorphism of the
APOE gene. The genotype distribution of patients with MS
was compared with a comparison group of 93 asymptomatic
elderly volunteers.
Results: Significant differences were found in the distribution
of e4 allele between patients with MS and the comparison
group (9.3% vs. 0.5%; p<0.001). An analysis of disease progression
in 81 patients with MS indicated that APOE e4 carriers
are more likely to be affected with severe disease.
Conclusion: The results obtained suggested that APOE genotype
affected susceptibility to MS and indicated an association
of the APOE e4 allele with a more severe course of the disease
