A variant of a Gene named OAS1 may increase severity of multiple sclerosis symptoms

Written by Lori Friend of the Examiner.com
August 4, 2010

Gene; MSRC.Com

A gene named OAS1, oligoadenylate sythetase, was studied by researchers at St.Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland and these researchers found that OAS1 may increase the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) symtoms.

The OAS1 gene was screened in 401 people with MS, 394 people without MS and 178 people receiving the MS treatment beta interferon, a drug such as Rebrif or Avonex in shot form used to treat MS.

The researchers found 63 percent of people with MS had the AA genotype along with 57 percent of those who did not have MS.  Another genotype, called GG, was found in 37 percent of people with MS and 43 percent of people who didn't have it.

There wasn't much to show the gene being associated with getting MS, but this study showed those who had the AA genotype, the make-up of a cell, had earlier-in-the disease progression relapses and increased disease activity compared to those without the geneotype.  They also found people who had the GG genotype had less MS activity and relapses.

“It’s possible that the GG genotype may protect against increased disease activity in people with MS, but more research is needed,” said Margaret O'Brien, PhD, study author.

She goes on to say, "While we don’t understand why some patients vary so widely in their disease activity, this genetic association may give us clues to help direct future research.”

"In all honesty, I don't know what to make of this information," says Sarah Lewis of Lima, Ohio. "It gives me a headache sometimes trying to make heads or tails of all the information out there regarding this stuff I have in my head, but to not know would make me feel like I felt so many years ago when we used to hear nothing; and that was depressed thinking no one cared enough to try to heal us."

Source: Examiner.com

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