Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A profile of interleukine-1 gene cluster polymorphisms in Iraqi patients

In this case-control study, 68 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and 133 control were genotyped for IL1A_-889 (rs1800587), IL1B_-511 (rs16944), IL1B₊₃₉₆₂ (rs1143634), IL1R1_pst11970 (rs2234650) and IL1RN_{mspa1 11,100} (rs315952) variants. Sequence-specific-primer-polymerase-chain-reaction was the genotyping method. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated protective effects of IL1B_-511, IL1R1_pst11970 and IL1RN_{mspa1 11,100} against MS incidence, while no association was found with IL1A_-889 and IL1B₊₃₉₆₂ variants. Allele frequencies showed no significant gender, medication or expanded disability status scale-associated variation. Haplotype analysis suggested 4.31-fold increased odds for MS in subjects with C-T-C-C-T haplotype of the respective loci. In conclusion, IL-1 gene variants influence MS susceptibility in Iraqi population.