IL-27-964 A/G polymorphism promoter polymorphism, serum IL-27, and vitamin D in multiple sclerosis: evidence from an...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling central nervous system immune-mediated disease, which is motivated by complicated gene-environment connections. The IL-27 (rs153109 -964 A G) functional promoter variant could affect the expression of IL-27, and consequently the susceptibility. to MS. Nonetheless, the synergy between IL-27 polymorphism (rs153109), serum IL-27 levels, and vitamin D status in the susceptibility of MS in the Middle East has not been completely clarified, especially in the Middle East.

This was a case-control study of 100 patients with multiple sclerosis and 100 healthy controls of ethnicity and geography matching the patients. PCR-RFLP was used to genotype IL-27 rs153109. ELISA was used to determine serum IL-27 levels, and a particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay was used to determine vitamin D3 levelsThe GG genotype of IL-27 rs153109 was significantly more frequent in MS patients compared to controls (22% vs 12%) and was associated with an increased risk of MS (OR = 2.724, 95% CI: 1.195-6.207; p = 0.017). Similarly, carriage of the G allele was linked to higher susceptibility (OR = 1.796, 95% CI: 1.190-2.711; p =0.005). MS patients exhibited significantly lower serum IL-27 levels (median: 20.7 vs 25.3 pg/mL; p ≤ 0.001) and lower vitamin D3 levels (median: 20.0 vs 26.9 ng/mL; p ≤ 0.001) compared with controls, with no significant differences observed across genotypes. Regarding clinical and lifestyle factors, smoking (OR = 3.209; p = 0.019) and overweight (OR = 2.006; p = 0.037) were significantly associated with MS risk. In multivariable analysis, the rs153109 GG genotype (OR = 3.115; p = 0.019), smoking (OR = 3.294; p = 0.024), and overweight (OR = 2.610; p = 0.039) remained independent predictors.

The IL-27-964 A/G polymorphism, especially the GG and G allele carriers, is strongly related to the predisposition to multiple sclerosis. Moreover, genotype independent low levels of serum IL-27 and vitamin D were observed in MS patients. These results indicate the possible role of IL-27 genetic variation in the pathogenesis of MS and contribute to the role of IL-27-mediated immune pathways. Additional confirmation in bigger and longitudinal studies.