Polymorphism of the osteopontin gene and clinical course of multiple sclerosis in the Polish population.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a key cytokine involved in T-cell activation in multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated whether polymorphism of the osteopontin gene affects MS occurrence and clinical course in a Polish population. Disability in 100 MS patients was evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Genotype and allele frequencies at exons 6 and 7 were examined by PCR. Using appropriate statistical tests, the distribution of variables was tested and means ± SD compared. Genotype distribution and allele frequency differences between patients and control individuals were not statistically significant. No association of OPN with susceptibility to MS was found in the Polish population. The EDSS score was higher in 8090 T/T + 9250 C/C patients than in 8090 C/C + 9250 C/C MS patients (p = 0.0120), and the disability in 8090 C/C + 9250 C/T MS patients was higher than in 8090 C/C + 9250 C/C MS patients (p = 0.0137). Logistic regression analysis revealed age to be an independent factor influencing disability. The polymorphisms of the OPN gene in positions 8090 T/T + 9250 C/C, 8090 C/C + 9250 C/T, and 8090 C/T + 9250 C/T were linked with higher levels of disability in MS patients.