Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) association with myasthenia gravis (MG) and its myasthenia manifestations in Algerian patients

Background

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease with a well-established involvement of genetic factors.

Aim

this study was to assess the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) genes association with myasthenia gravis and its myasthenic manifestations.

Methods

We performed a case-control study where twenty eight patients and one hundred and nine healthy subjects were included. A subgroup of generalized and acetylcholine receptor antibodies positive myasthenia gravis was examined for myasthenic manifestations associations. HLA genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction- sequence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) method.

Results

On one hand, HLA A*30 and DRB1*04 alleles were more frequent among patients with myasthenia gravis whereas A*02 and B*49 were less frequent (p < 0.05). On the other hand, B*08 was positively associated with limb muscles weakness and negatively association with dysphagia while B*44 and DRB1*03 were both positively associate with cervical muscles weakness (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest the association of various HLA alleles with myasthenia gravis and some of its myasthenic manifestations. However, further studies are required support these findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms.