TNF-alfa Gene Polymorphism Associations with Multiple Sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Neuroimmunology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays a complex role in multiple sclerosis (MS), influencing both disease progression and potential protection.
• TNF-α contributes to central nervous system inflammation, myelin damage, and neuronal injury in MS.
• This research investigates the association between specific TNF-α gene polymorphisms (rs1800630, rs1800629, and rs361525) and MS risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between TNF-α gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To identify specific genetic variants within the TNF-α gene that may influence MS development.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 250 MS patients and 250 healthy controls.
• DNA extraction from peripheral blood leukocytes followed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis using RT-PCR.
• Statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0.

Main Results:

• The rs361525 AG genotype was less frequent in MS patients (p=0.042), with significant sex-specific differences in males (p=0.005).
• For rs1800629, the A allele was less frequent in MS patients under 39 (p=0.030), and the AA genotype reduced MS odds by ~2-fold (p=0.044).
• The rs1800630 A allele was more common in males with MS (p=0.046).

Conclusions:

• Specific TNF-α gene variants are significantly associated with MS susceptibility.
• The rs1800629 AA genotype and A allele demonstrate a protective effect against MS development.
• Findings suggest TNF-α genetic variations are relevant to MS pathogenesis and warrant further investigation for therapeutic strategies.