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HLA antigens in multiple sclerosis amongst Indians
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|September 1, 1981
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is infrequent in India. This study found a strong association between the HLA-B12 haplotype and MS in Indian patients, suggesting genetic factors may play a role.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Neurology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibits significant geographical variations in incidence.
- The genetic factors influencing MS susceptibility in diverse populations, such as India, remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential genetic underpinnings of the observed infrequency of multiple sclerosis (MS) in India.
- To examine the association of specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes with MS in the Indian population.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study comparing HLA haplotype frequencies in Indian MS patients and healthy controls.
- Analysis included HLA-A3, HLA-B7, and HLA-B12 haplotypes.
Main Results:
- Indian populations showed lower frequencies of HLA-A3 and HLA-B7 compared to Caucasians.
- No excess of HLA-A3 and HLA-B7 was observed in Indian MS patients; frequencies were lower than controls.
- A significantly higher prevalence of the HLA-B12 haplotype was found in Indian MS patients (74%) compared to controls (9%).
- A significant relative risk of MS was associated with the HLA-B12 haplotype in Indians.
Conclusions:
- The HLA-B12 haplotype is strongly associated with multiple sclerosis in the Indian population.
- Genetic factors, particularly the HLA-B12 haplotype, may contribute to MS susceptibility in India.
- Further research into the Parsee community, with a higher incidence of MS and high HLA-B12 association, is warranted.