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Interleukin 7 receptor T244I polymorphism and the multiple sclerosis susceptibility: a meta-analysis
Mohammad Hossein Sahami-Fard1, Mahya Mozhdeh2, Fatemeh Izadpanah3
1Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is recognized as the most prevalent chronic inflammatory neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults. Recent evidence suggests that the T244I polymorphism of the IL7Rα gene (rs6897932) May influence MS susceptibility; however, individual studies have provided conflicting and controversial results. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association between the IL7R T244I polymorphism and the risk of MS.
Method:
An extensive search for published literature up to May 2019 was accomplished in the electronic databases, and 28 studies consisting of 16,260 MS patients and 18,335 controls were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to investigate the strength of association.
Results:
The results of the present meta-analysis represented significant association between the IL7R T244I polymorphism and MS susceptibility. (recessive model: OR = 1.126, 95% CI 1.026-1.236, P = .012; dominant model: OR = 1.172, 95% CI 1.024-1.341, P = .021; homozygous model: OR = 1.213, 95% CI 1.038-1.417, P = .015; and allelic model: OR = 1.109, 95% CI 1.025-1.200, P = .010, respectively). In the subgroup analysis according to region, our findings showed significant association in Europe. However, no association was found in Middle East.
Conclusion:
The current meta-analysis demonstrated that the C allele of IL7R T244I polymorphism might be a risk factor for the MS susceptibility in Europe but not in Middle East.
Insights
This meta-analysis found a link between the IL7Rα gene T244I polymorphism and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. The C allele is a potential risk factor for MS susceptibility in European populations.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading chronic inflammatory neurological disease in young adults.
- Conflicting evidence exists regarding the IL7Rα gene T244I polymorphism (rs6897932) and MS susceptibility.
- This study addresses these discrepancies through a comprehensive meta-analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between the IL7Rα gene T244I polymorphism and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
- To synthesize findings from existing studies to clarify the role of this genetic variant in MS.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted up to May 2019 across electronic databases.
- Data from 28 studies, including 16,260 MS patients and 18,335 controls, were pooled.
- Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the strength of association.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between the IL7R T244I polymorphism and MS susceptibility across multiple genetic models (recessive, dominant, homozygous, allelic).
- Subgroup analysis revealed a significant association in European populations.
- No significant association was observed in the Middle East population.
Conclusions:
- The C allele of the IL7R T244I polymorphism is suggested as a potential risk factor for MS susceptibility.
- This risk appears geographically specific, primarily impacting European populations.
- Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying this association.
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