No association of apolipoprotein E ε4 genotype with faster progression or less recovery of relapses in a Spanish cohort of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background Recent data have suggested a faster deterioration of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who harbour the o4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. We investigate the relationship of APOE genotypes with disease severity and clinical recovery of relapses in a MS population of the north of Spain. Methods One hundred and thirty-three patients with clinically defined MS were studied. Disease course (relapsing versus progressive), age of onset, duration of the disease and disability measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were recorded. Worsening was measured by the Progression Index (PI) and by EDSS 4 and 6 latencies. In 79 patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) MS the degree of clinical recovery of relapses (total versus partial) was assessed. Results The frequency of the APOE o4 allele in our patients was similar to that found in other southern European populations. APOE o4 patients did not have a faster progression as assessed by PI and EDSS 4 and 6 latencies. Among 79 patients with RRMS there were no significant differences in the degree of recovery of relapses. Conclusions In this MS population, APOE o4 polymorphism is not associated with a more severe clinical course and does not appear to influence recovery of exacerbations.