Association of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms with vitamin D and calcium levels in Turkish multiple sclerosis patients.

Aim: The present study was conducted to assess the impact of gene (vitamin D receptor [VDR] polymorphisms) - environment (serum vitamin D and calcium levels) interaction on multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. Materials & methods: FokI , BsmI , TaqI and ApaI genotyping were performed in 149 MS patients and 127 controls. We measured serum vitamin D and calcium levels. Results: No significant difference between VDR polymorphisms and MS risk was detected. In patients with FokI ff , BsmI Bb, TaqI Tt  and ApaI AA genotypes, vitamin D levels were statistically higher. Serum calcium levels were significantly lower in patients with FokI FF , Ff , all BsmI and TaqI genotypes and ApaI AA and Aa genotypes. Conclusion: No significant association was found between VDR polymorphisms with MS risk.