Previous findings regarding the role of TNF-alpha-308 gene polymorphism in multiple sclerosis (MS) are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of TNF-alpha-308 polymorphism on MS susceptibility and the MS disease process in a Croatian and Slovenian population. Genotyping was performed in 338 patients and 460 healthy controls. The TNF2 allele was present in 123 (26.8%) healthy controls vs. 67 (19.9%) MS patients (p = 0.023, odds ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.48-0.95), suggesting that carriage of the TNF2 allele might decrease MS risk. The difference in TNF2 allele carrier frequency between patients and controls was identified in the relapsing-remitting MS group. There was no association between TNF2 allele carrier status and age at disease onset or disease progression. Our results suggest that, in the study populations, the TNF-alpha-308 polymorphism may play a role in MS susceptibility.
2007 S. Karger AG, Basel