We investigated caspase 8 (CASP8) as a candidate gene for multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Three SNPs (rs2037815, rs12990906 and rs1035140) were genotyped in 546 MS patients and 547 controls. For SNP rs2037815, GG homozygosity was associated with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) when compared with relapse-onset MS and controls. We identified risk (GCA) and protective (ACT) haplotypes associated with PPMS when compared with relapse-onset MS and controls. GG homozygosity for SNP rs2037815 in PPMS patients was associated with a trend towards faster disease progression. These findings point to a role of CASP8 polymorphisms in the MS genetic risk in PPMS patients.
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