Apolipoprotein alleles and the response to interferon-β-1b in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Results for the e4/e2 alleles of the ApoE gene as markers of susceptibility, clinical and radiological progression, and cognitive deterioration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are contradictory.

Aim: The usefulness of these markers in predicting the response to interferon-β-1b (IFNβ-1b) was evaluated.

Material And Methods: 95 patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with IFNβ-1b (mean follow-up 7.44 years) were studied. We correlated the e4 and e2 alleles with the time to the first relapse or to a 1-point worsening on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, time to moderate disability, progression index, and treatment discontinuation due to inefficacy.

Results: We found no association between the e4 allele and any of the variables. The e2 allele was associated with increased time to moderate disability.

Conclusion: The e4 allele of ApoE has no prognostic value for the response to IFNβ-1b. The e2 allele delayed the progression of disability in our MS patient cohort.