RETRACTED: Polymorphisms in CD14 Gene May Modify Soluble CD14 Levels and Represent Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Besides the central role of the adaptive immune system, a disturbance of innate immune system is also suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). CD14, a recep-tor upregulated in activated microglia, is known to be an essential mediator of inflammation in innate immune responses. Therefore, in this study we aimed to assess possible roles of CD14-159 and -260 gene polymorphisms in MS susceptibility and the effects of those polymorphisms to its protein producing capacity in Iranian population. Methods: In this case control study, CD14-159 and -260 polymorph-isms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 200 MS patients and 200 healthy controls matched in age and gender. Serum levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay (ELISA). Results: There were significant differences in genotype distribution of CD14-159 and -260 polymorphisms between patients and controls (P = 0.01, for-both). Mean serum level of sCD14 was significantly higher in MS patients than in control subjects (3340.30 +/- 612.50 ng/ml vs 2353.73 +/- 539.07 ng/ml; P < 0.01). Conclusion: In summary, we conclude that CD14-159 and -260 poly-morphisms are associated with the risk of MS in Iranian population and affects CD14 promoter activity, thereby regulating CD14 expression. Furthermore, our study provides preliminary evidence for the activa-tion of innate immunity in the pathogenesis of MS. In addition, the findings of the present study suggest serum level of sCD14 as candi-date biomarker of MS severity.