Role of interleukin-17 signaling pathway in the interaction between multiple sclerosis and acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

BackgroundA correlational relationship has been well established between Multiple Sclerosis and Acute Myocardial Infarction incidence. However, the etiology underlying this relationship remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms behind the relationship by identifying candidate genes in the interaction between the two diseases. MethodsUsing a computational biology approach and existing gene expression data from the NIH Gene Expression Omnibus, meta-analysis was conducted on six datasets to evaluate upregulated or downregulated genes shared between both diseases. Overlapping genes were then evaluated in STRING to find a KEGG biological pathway connecting these genes. ResultsMeta-analysis found 78 overlap genes for upregulation and 65 for downregulation. These genes displayed significant interaction in the STRING network. The most plausible KEGG pathway resulting from the STRING analysis was the Interleukin-17 Signaling Pathway. Seven of the genes from the meta-analysis (S100A8, S100A9, CXCL8, COX2, AP-1, IKBA, and A20) are involved in this pathway. ConclusionsThe IL-17 signaling pathway influences the relationship between Multiple Sclerosis and Acute Myocardial Infarction and represents a potential target for drug intervention.