HLA B26 gene and MS

Has anyone heard of any relationship between the HLA B27 gene and MS.   Two of my children and myself have this hereditary gene which is linked to autoimmune diseases.  One has ulcerative colitis and the other has ankylosing spondylitis.   They have been diagnosed in the last few years....the first at age 32 and the second one at the age of 27.    My third child (33) was advised not to get the gene test as it 'was not good to have it on your health records'.  

I am presently undergoing tests for MS.   I have what may or may not be ON (for the second time) with normal eyes on testing, an abnormal MRI and am booked for a FLAIR MRI in two weeks time as well as an EEG, and balance and hearing tests.  Also my ophthalmologist has arranged an apnt for me to see a neuro/ophth in about one month.  (See my post  "MRI Interpretation please")

I am one of 7 children and don't see any of my siblings having any sort of autoimmune diseases.   There are about 23 other grandchildren of my parents and as far as I know there are no autoimmune diseases there either.   Did my family hit the jackpot?    

If anyone knows of any relationship between this gene and MS I would love to hear about it.

[Deb61]

I have actually been tested for this gene when getting a work-up from a rheumatologist a long time ago.  I do have a family history of arthritis and a sister with MS, but we both do not carry this gene.  

I have heard there's a link between this gene and ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis and HLA-B27.  Seronegative spondyloarthropathies are frequently observed in ulcerative colitis, so I see the connection.  I have never heard of a connection between HLA-B27 and MS, though.  I have heard that there may be a connection with family history of autoimmune disease and MS, though, but there's not really a strong hereditary component with MS (I say that and my sister has MS, too).  Maybe your family did hit the unlucky jackpot.  Perhaps there's some environmental factors, though, that could have played a role.  I wonder if we'll ever find out what causes MS in our lifetime.

Unfortunately, having two episodes of ON with brain lesions does increase your chances of developing MS, but I don't think it's by 100% by any means.  Have you had any other symptoms besides the ON?  Keep us informed as to how your testing for MS goes.  

Deb    

[Lulu54]

I wish I had taken complete notes this weekend - the noon speaker talked about these genes and threw out the identifying numbers of the ones that are looking suspect.  I'll look through what I did write down and see if that is in there.

That genetic jackpot sure sounds less than lucky - I hope you all do ok with these diagnosis.

best, Lulu

[Lulu54]

Sorry, all I wrote in my notes is if you have biomarker IL 17 they know that the interferons will not work well and a different therapy drug should be picked.  She talked about how good these gene markers will be in helping to decide on a treatment plan that you will best respond to.

[aussiepixie]

Thanks for referring back to your notes.  I think from what I have gleaned from the internet, the HLA B27 gene is definitely related to the ankylosing spondylitis but not so directly to the ulcerative colitis.   Maybe I should copy this to the genetics group .....if there one.    Thanks P

[Deb61]

I have actually been tested for this gene when getting a work-up from a rheumatologist a long time ago.  I do have a family history of arthritis and a sister with MS, but we both do not carry this gene.  

I have heard there's a link between this gene and ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis and HLA-B27.  Seronegative spondyloarthropathies are frequently observed in ulcerative colitis, so I see the connection.  I have never heard of a connection between HLA-B27 and MS, though.  I have heard that there may be a connection with family history of autoimmune disease and MS, though, but there's not really a strong hereditary component with MS (I say that and my sister has MS, too).  Maybe your family did hit the unlucky jackpot.  Perhaps there's some environmental factors, though, that could have played a role.  I wonder if we'll ever find out what causes MS in our lifetime.

Unfortunately, having two episodes of ON with brain lesions does increase your chances of developing MS, but I don't think it's by 100% by any means.  Have you had any other symptoms besides the ON?  Keep us informed as to how your testing for MS goes.  

Deb    

[aussiepixie]

Thanks Deb....  When my eldest son was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis we looked at all the environmental issues.   He had worked in the automotive spray painting industry for many years so that stood out like a sore thumb.   He has since changed occupations.    The younger son has had back and hip issues for a long time and as he is quite tall and thin we thought it was just his build.....he was finally diagnosed a year or so ago.  

I have suffered arthritic like pain in my legs and back (have DDD and central compression and have had back surgery for an impinged nerve) for as long as I can remember.   Some days when I awake I can not imagine being able to get out of bed and go to work as the weakness and aching in my legs is so bad.   If you read my longer post you will see I am bedevilled with this myoclonic jerking in my legs and abdomen which has returned with the eye issue as before.    I also have a sudden  electric shock like thing happening in the back of my head when I lie down at night.  

I have seen many doctors over the years and had many investigations.  I think they all come back to my chronic back problems and leave it at that.    

I feel quite bad describing all my symptoms as I know there are lots of people living in a lot more discomfort than myself.   I guess the fact that the investigations are now spread over such a long time...right through to middle of September is just making me more stressed.       I certainly will keep posting.   I have found reading everyones posts very informative.   Maybe after my next MRI in two weeks there might be more news.

Thanks for taking time to post ......P