Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms in the Turkish Population are not associated with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by demyelination and axonal degeneration affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Unfortunately, very little is known about the etiology of this disease. Among the genetic factors suggested to be associated with this disease are polymorphisms to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). However, there is disagreement in the literature on this topic. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are also associated with MS. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship of MS disease with VDR Fok-I, Bsm-I and Taq-I polymorphisms in Turkish population. Method This study contains 175 MS patients and 183 healthy controls. Blood samples were taken from each subject to isolate genomic DNA by salting out method. VDR gene Fok-I, Bsm-I and Taq-I polymorphism regions for each patient and control were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were digested, and the genotypes were determined based on size of digested PCR products. Results No correlation was found between MS disease and VDR Fok-I, Bsm-I and Taq-I polymorphisms for genotype distribution (Pearson test, p>0,05 ) or allele frequency (Pearson test, p>0,05 ). No meaningful association was found between subtypes of MS for genotypes distribution and allele frequencies of Fok-I, Bsm-I and Taq-I polymorphisms (Pearson test, p>0,05 ). Conclusion There is no association between VDR gene polymorphisms (Fok-I, Bsm-I and Taq-I) and MS disease in Turkish population.