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

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.
Source: Journal of Neuroimmunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research