Polymorphic markers of some genes associated with multiple sclerosis in the population of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Associations of DR2 specificity of the DRB1gene and single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the tumor necrosis factor gene TNFalpha (-308 G/A), interleukin genes IL-beta (-511 C/T), IL-2 (-475 A/T and -631 G/A), IL-6(-634 C/G), paraoxanase gene PON1 (M55L, Q192R), and the mitochondrial protein transport gene UCP2 (-866 G/A) with the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) were studied in two main ethnic groups of Kazakhstan (Kazakhs and Russians). An association of DR2 specificity of the DRBI gene with MS was found in the combined group of Kazakhs, Russians, and offsprings from mixed marriages. No correlation between DR2 specificity and MS was found in the separately examined groups of Kazakhs and Russians. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences between the MS patients and healthy individuals were observed in the distribution of the genotypes at site -634 G/C of the IL-6 gene in the Kazakh group, in the allelic frequencies at site -308 A/G in the promoter region of the TNFalpha gene in the Russian group, and in the frequencies of alleles at the polymorphic Q 192R locus of the PON1 gene in the Kazakh group. No significant differences were revealed in the distribution of the genotypes and in the frequencies of alleles at the polymorphic sites of the genes IL-1beta (-511 C/T), IL-2 (-475 A/T and -631 G/A), PON1 (M55L), and UCP2 (-866 G/A).