ApolipoproteinE epsilon 4 allele is not associated with disease course and severity in multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
No study has assessed the association between apolipoproteinE (APOE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) forms grouped by also taking into account cognitive performance.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between APOE and disease course, particularly focusing on benign MS (BMS), defined as also including cognitive preservation.


METHODS
In 173 consecutive patients, we assessed the association between APOE and MS course and severity.


RESULTS
Twenty-nine APOE-epsilon4 carriers were identified. The epsilon4 allele was not associated with BMS. Moreover, it was associated neither with other disease courses nor with the time to reach disability milestones and secondary progression.


CONCLUSIONS
Although plausible, the association between APOE and MS course (particularly with BMS defined by including cognitive preservation) and disease severity remains controversial.
Portaccio
E
E
Department of Neurology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 85 - 50134, Florence, Italy. portilio@tin.it
Zipoli
V
V
Goretti
B
B
Hakiki
B
B
Nacmias
B
B
Siracusa
G
G
Sorbi
S
S
Amato
M P
MP
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000483:Alleles; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4 / Q000235:genetics*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4