TLR3 polymorphism protects against multiple sclerosis onset but not progression in Egyptian patients.

INTRODUCTION

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS that results from complex interactions between the peripheral and the central immune systems through proinflammatory cytokine secretion.

AIMS: The present study aimed to 1: estimate the associated risk of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes regulating the immune responses, namely, Toll like receptor 3 (TLR3), TLR7, and Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), with MS incidence, 2: correlate the SNPs frequencies with some patient demographics.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 192 MS patients and 60 healthy controls were recruited. TLR3 (rs3775291), TLR7 (rs3853839), and SOCS3 (rs201763454) SNPs were assayed using the TaqMan genotyping assay.

RESULTS

The CT genotype of rs3775291 significantly protects against MS incidence (OR (95% CI) 0.3632 (0.19-0.66), P = 0.001), while the GA genotype of rs201763454 is associated with disease progression. TLR3 rs3775291 wild genotype, higher relapse frequency, IgG index elevation, and male sex were significantly associated with increased expanded disability status scale (EDSS) at disease onset.

CONCLUSION

The TLR3 rs3775291 SNP can confer protection against developing MS, whereas the SOCS3 rs201763454 SNP is associated with the progressive form of the disease. Higher relapse frequency, IgG index, and male sex were significantly associated with greater disability.