HFE gene polymorphisms and severity in Portuguese patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: High iron concentrations have been reported in oligodendrocytes, myelin and macrophages in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. It has been proposed that HFE gene polymorphisms could have a role in MS. Methods: The C282Y and H63D HFE variants frequencies were determined in 373 patients with MS and compared with a normal population. Results: No significant association was found between HFE polymorphisms and disease susceptibility. An analysis of the association of genotypes with disease severity was performed, and the C282Y allele was more frequent in the aggressive group. Conclusions: Patients carrying the C282Y variant seem to have a worse prognosis.