Susceptibility and outcome in MS - Associations with polymorphisms in pigmentation-related genes

Multiple sclerosis ( MS) risk is determined by environment and genes. The authors investigated in 419 cases and 422 controls if polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR), melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), and tyrosinase (TYR) genes is linked with MS risk and outcome. VDR ff was associated with reduced ( odds ratio [ OR] = 0.59) and MC1R His(294)-encoding alleles with increased ( OR = 2.21) risk. MC1R Glu(84)/Glu(84) was linked with disability ( OR = 5.65). These preliminary data suggest a role for these genes in MS pathogenesis.