ABSTRACT
Immune system-related factors are important in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis [MS]. Interleukin 4 [IL-4] as a helper T cell [2TH] cytokine is involved in the regulation of immune responses. Hence, this study was designed to explore the association between MS and polymorphisms in the -590 region of IL-4. A descriptive study at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsnajan from September 2009 to August 2010. Blood samples were collected from 100 MS patients and 150 healthy controls on EDTA precoated tubes. DNA was extracted and analyzed for IL-4 polymorphisms using restricted fragment length polymorphism in patients and controls. Demographic data were also collected by a questionnaire that was designed specifically for this study. We observed a significant difference in the C/C, T/C, and T/T genotypes of the -590 region of IL-4 between patients with MS and healthy controls [P<.001]. We conclude that functional polymorphisms of IL-4 possibly play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of MS