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Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with multiple sclerosis in Mexican adults

Víctor Hugo Bermúdez-Morales1, Geny Fierros1, Roberto Lopez Lopez1

  • 1National Institute of Public Health, Colonia Santa Maria Ahuacatitlan, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62100, Mexico.

Abstract

Insights

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms are linked to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, BsmI and TaqI VDR polymorphisms show a significant positive association with MS in Mexican adults.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Over 50 genomic regions are implicated in MS susceptibility.
  • Vitamin D's immune-modulating properties suggest a role for Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms in MS risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between VDR gene polymorphisms (BsmI and TaqI) and MS risk.
  • To analyze VDR polymorphisms in a Mexican adult population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 120 MS patients and 180 healthy controls.
  • Genotyping of VDR BsmI (rs1544410) and TaqI (rs731236) polymorphisms using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay.
  • Analysis of genotype and allele frequencies and their association with MS risk.

Main Results:

  • A statistically significant positive association was found between MS and the T/T genotype of the BsmI polymorphism (OR=4.15).
  • A significant positive trend was observed across genotypes for the BsmI polymorphism (p<0.01).
  • The T allele carriers showed a significant positive association with MS (OR=1.83).

Conclusions:

  • Genetic VDR polymorphisms (TaqI and BsmI) are positively associated with the risk of developing MS.
  • These findings highlight the potential role of VDR gene variations in MS pathogenesis within the studied Mexican population.

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