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Published on: March 24, 2015
Apolipoprotein alleles and the response to interferon-β-1b in multiple sclerosis
Olga Carmona1, Cristina Masuet, Pedro Alía
1Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain. occodina@gmail.com
Background:
Results for the e4/e2 alleles of the ApoE gene as markers of susceptibility, clinical and radiological progression, and cognitive deterioration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are contradictory.
Aim:
The usefulness of these markers in predicting the response to interferon-β-1b (IFNβ-1b) was evaluated.
Material And Methods:
95 patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with IFNβ-1b (mean follow-up 7.44 years) were studied. We correlated the e4 and e2 alleles with the time to the first relapse or to a 1-point worsening on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, time to moderate disability, progression index, and treatment discontinuation due to inefficacy.
Results:
We found no association between the e4 allele and any of the variables. The e2 allele was associated with increased time to moderate disability.
Conclusion:
The e4 allele of ApoE has no prognostic value for the response to IFNβ-1b. The e2 allele delayed the progression of disability in our MS patient cohort.
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