HLA-DRB1 alleles and genotypes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis from western Mexico: a pilot study

The HLA-DRB1 alleles are closely related to genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). There is a high prevalence of MS in Caucasian populations, whereas non-Caucasian populations have a low prevalence. In Latin American countries, genomes are made up of a heterogeneous gene pool, which varies between different regions of each country. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of alleles and genotypes of HLA-DRBI in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in Mexican Mestizos of western Mexico. HLA-DRB1 alleles and genotypes were determined for 59 RRMS patients and 434 healthy subjects. The results show that allele HLA-DRB1*15 (p: 0.013, OR: 2.74) was associated with risk of RRMS, no others alleles were significantly associated. Whereas, a risk tendency was observed for alleles HLA-DRB1*09 (p: 0.062, OR: 6.24), HLA-DRB1*04 (p: 0.086, OR: 1.876) and genotypes HLA-DRf31*15/*13 (p: 0.068, OR: 15.71), HLA-DRBI*15/*04 (p: 0.068, OR: 6.35). Otherwise, the alleles HLA-DRB1*08 (p: 0.062, OR: 0.340) and HLA-DRB1*01(p: 0.062, OR: 0.29) show tendency to a protective effect. Further research is required about risk alleles in larger patient RRMS cohorts in western Mexico. HLA-DRBI risk allelic variation in different regions of Mexico for MS further illustrates the genetic heterogeneity of the Mexican population and the Caucasian influence in shaping the epidemiology of MS in Mexico.