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HLA class II genes associated with REM sleep behavior disorder
C H Schenck1, E Garcia-Rill, M Segall
1Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55415, USA.
Annals of Neurology
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Men with REM sleep behavior disorder show a strong association with specific HLA class II genes, particularly DQwl. This finding suggests a genetic link in REM sleep dysregulation beyond narcolepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunogenetics
Background:
- Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by the loss of normal muscle atonia during REM sleep.
- Narcolepsy, another disorder of REM sleep regulation, is known to be associated with specific Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HLA class II antigens and REM sleep behavior disorder in a cohort of white men without narcolepsy.
- To determine if specific HLA alleles are more prevalent in individuals with RBD compared to control populations.
Main Methods:
- HLA class II antigen typing was performed on 25 white men diagnosed with RBD and without narcolepsy.
- DQwl (DQB1*05,06) and DR2 positivity rates were determined.
- Comparison of DQwl rates in the RBD cohort with published data from white control groups.
Main Results:
- 84% of men with RBD were positive for DQwl (DQB1*05,06).
- DQB1*0501 and DQB1*0602 were the most frequent phenotypes observed.
- The DQwl positivity rate in the RBD group was significantly higher than in a local white comparison group (84% vs. 56%, p=0.015) and previously published white cohorts.
Conclusions:
- A strong association exists between specific HLA class II genes, particularly DQwl, and REM sleep behavior disorder.
- This finding suggests that HLA class II genes play a role in the pathogenesis of REM sleep dysregulation, similar to narcolepsy.