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Vitamin D genes influence MS relapses in children
Jennifer S Graves1, Lisa F Barcellos2, Lauren Krupp3
1Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|May 14, 2019
Summary
A vitamin D genetic risk score (vitDGRS) in children is linked to lower vitamin D levels and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. This genetic score may help identify children at higher risk for MS progression.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
Background:
- Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune function and has been investigated for its potential impact on multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Genetic factors influencing vitamin D levels may affect MS susceptibility and disease course.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a vitamin D genetic risk score (vitDGRS) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in children.
- To determine if vitDGRS is associated with the hazard of relapses in pediatric multiple sclerosis patients.
Main Methods:
- A vitamin D genetic risk score (vitDGRS) was constructed using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with 25(OH)D levels.
- Cox regression models were employed to analyze the relationship between vitDGRS and MS relapse rates in discovery and replication cohorts.
Main Results:
- Two SNPs near the GC and NADSYN1/DHCR7 genes significantly predicted 25(OH)D levels, explaining 4.5% of its variance.
- The highest vitDGRS was associated with significantly lower 25(OH)D levels and a 2.6-fold increased relapse hazard in the discovery cohort.
Conclusions:
- The vitDGRS effectively identifies children with multiple sclerosis at a higher risk of experiencing relapses.
- These findings suggest a potential causal role for vitamin D in modulating the course of pediatric MS.
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