Evaluation of variation in genes of the arylhydrocarbon receptor pathway for an association with multiple sclerosis

J Neuroimmunol. 2019 Sep 15:334:576979. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.576979. Epub 2019 Jun 4.

Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) contributes to immune regulation in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Analysis of selected polymorphisms in AhR pathway genes in 805 MS patients and 1023 controls revealed a modest association of a CYP1B1 polymorphism with secondary progressive MS that became more pronounced in combination with other SNPs in the pathway, suggesting interactive effects. Additionally, first evidence for an interaction with smoking was found, but due to small sample sizes statistical significance was only nominal. Confirmation of these results in independent cohorts is recommended, since targeting the AhR constitutes a therapeutic option for autoimmune diseases.

Keywords: Arylhydrocarbon receptor; Association; Gene-environment interaction; Gene-gene interaction; Multiple sclerosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Genetic Association Studies / methods
  • Genetic Variation / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics*
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / genetics*

Substances

  • AHR protein, human
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon