Neurologist Explains The Multiple Sclerosis Gene HLA-DRB1*1501

[@thegoodolvet5586]

Thank you for all you do for the MS Community! Sincerely! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to you and yours!

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Thanks! Same to you and your family.

[@EvenSoItIsWell]

Thanks Dr. Beaber! I so appreciate you and your videos. As we say here in the north east, you are “wicked smaht!”

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

:) A lot of research was required for this one.

[@AnnetteAnne]

this is so interesting, never heard about it before! thank you dr Beaber for your informative videos!

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

I'm glad you liked it Aneta. I definitely enjoyed researching this topic. It's something I've known about for a decade but hadn't looked deeply into.

[@yumpiri]

This is an elite-level informative video. Thank you for your efforts!

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Thanks

[@Elizabethmay08]

I'm getting neurological symptoms. Already diagnosed with RA, TN and POTS. I'm also a carrier for this. I'm really starting to wonder if I have MS and that's why I have TN and POTS. I'm also unable to take medications that affect sodium receptors. I'm at about 20 now that cause serious neurological side effects. Making it VERY difficult to treat my RA. I also have rs3129934 😩. If its not MS I will be shocked. Great channel

[@angelabulawski3743]

Thank you for this video! I just got my blood work back after having single eye flashes which shows I have this allele. Still going through testing for some kind of diagnosis but you answered the one main question I had which was that the allele is still fairly common across the general population! Thank you for the very thorough explanation.

[@veredrosen]

Thank you Dr. Bieber! This is very interesting

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

:)

[@brookelong4748]

I would love to have my genes looked at… what a dream

[@akhet83]

There are several versions of the phrase "genetics are (loads) the gun, but 'X' pulls the trigger" quote used in reference to illness, so I don't think it comes from Dr. Oz (who frankly lacks credibility IMO) specifically. Autoimmune researcher Noel Rose uses the version "genetics are the gun; a virus pulls the trigger" according Meghan O'Rourke in her book "The Invisible Kingdom."

[@uptoeleven]

So basically if you have this genetic variation and you develop MS you should treat the MS very aggressively with induction therapy whereas if you don't have this genetic variation and you develop MS you should still treat it very aggressively with induction therapy. 🤣. I think that's a little unfair and I am being flippant. As you also imply it is still a very useful element in the gathering of the knowledge of what makes MS happen, how to try to make it stop, how to reverse it. As a 21 year MS veteran - please keep up the good work. You empower patients more than you could possibly know.

[@Jerusalem_Warrior]

Yeah, when my daughter heard my diagnosis, she rolled her eyes and said 'oh, no, is this going to be another thing I'm going to have to watch out for, besides the diabetes on my father's side? Additionally, the Hebrew term for MS translates into something like "widespread" or "common" Sclerosis, which to the uninitiated makes it sound kind of contagious! 😂 Happy Chanukah from Jerusalem! 🕎😁

[@uptoeleven]

Also the vitamin D link. It's tenuous but at the same time it keeps kind-of popping up and then disappearing. My former neurologist, in Lanzarote (Canary Islands, part of Spain, but African levels of sunlight intensity), did a study to compare the numbers of people who developed MS, in terms of populations and specifically those born on the island vs those born in northern Europe who immigrated and from memory it was about 3:1. But as he was very clear to point out, the relationship is correlational. Is it genetics? Is it vitamin D? No one knows and the purpose of the study was simply to show that extra provision would be required from a health provision perspective. Otherwise we can't prove much. Anecdotally I know a huge number of MS patients who are supplementing vitamin D, and have never heard from one who regrets it. My own experience is that when I don't supplement vitamin D I have much more significant cognitive fog than when I do and it takes about a month for it to have any appreciable effect. Or it could well be placebo. Who knows?

[@valentinpopescu1156]

I've been asking myself the same question. there are now several months since I began taking 4000ui on daily basis and I can swear there is a good outcome, although I wonder how much of this fortunate effect is a mere psyhological confort that, at least, I do something about my disease, something more than taking pills (which is kind of infantilising). as you say, who knows...

[@user-xk3lj3sc5p]

As far as EBV... I feel that EBV is always being picked on. However, recent happenings in my family may have changed my outlook. When I have a moment, I have some extremely interesting EBV scenario to share that I will try to email you as it is lengthy. Another thought that I have been having & maybe this has already been studied... JCV - I know it is tied to PML and they watch our JCV levels when on particular DMTs... However, could this same JC virus also cause MS in some people at lower levels? And so when MSrs go on a DMT, they are adding more fuel to the jcv fire & that's what leads to PML. (Just trying to think out of the box here)

[@roberture5903]

Good afternoon Dr Beaber, my aunt from my father's side of the family had MS, I don't know if there's any relation there but I will say this when I was in my late teens early 20s I was very chronically fatigued for a spell so I'm wondering if I've had the EBV virus in my lifetime. Is there a way your doctor can test you to see if you've ever had it? Just thinking out loud I apologize. Thank you for all your hard work and have a very merry Christmas.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Yes it is possible to test for antibodies against EBV, implying past infection, though there is not much point in doing this test. Virtually 100% of adults with MS will test positive (along with 95% of the general population).

[@roberture5903]

@@DrBrandonBeaber thank you for your honesty sir, so much appreciated I was just thinking that the EBV virus could be another piece of the puzzle based on some of your past videos.

[@Skycam18]

intriguing find. I’m east indian born in europe dx’d in 2005 now with a progressive type of ms. we need gene editing asap!

[@Skycam18]

I had ebv post puberty, ms Vit d levels tested around time of dx was at lower range but not off scale. what’s induction therapy?

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Induction therapy is early high-efficacy cell-depleting therapy such as with b-cell depleters (ocrevus, rituximab/kesimpta), mavenclad, cytoxan, lemtrada, HSCT, etc.

[@gwennauslot1104]

I knew a lady with MS and both her adult children in their thirties and forties respectively ended up being diagnosed with MS.

[@imblessed8986]

She may be explaining that MS could be genetically, passed down.

[@flyfast]

Thanks for publishing interesting videos. Hopping for cure, until then, ocrevus is doing the trick! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@valentinpopescu1156]

Hello, Dr. Brandon. at some point, you say that lack of constant sun exposure likely impairs the activity of immune system more substantially than commonly thought and mere administration of vitamin d supplement is, how we say here, akin to administration of holly water (it doesn't harm, it doesn't cure). I live in Romania, that is, the European equivalent of your Vermont or Ohio. if lucky, I can get adequate sun exposure about 40-50 days on year. do you think the winter sun (which, in any case, change the collor of the skin more rapidly and profoundly than the summer sun does) is as effective as a walk on the beach at noon? thank you. I find your videos extremely informative, valuable, even though much of their content flies over my head at cruise altitude.

[@DetroitGoldie]

Whoa! Didn’t know this.

[@poolmotorrepairguyFL]

Dr. Brandon that was good info 2 see👨‍🔧good job !!😵‍💫

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Thanks

[@maxrules2161]

Is there a difference between between HLA-DRB1*1501 and HLA-DRB1 or are they the same and can be used interchangeably?

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

HLDA-DRB1 is a gene. Everyone has it. HLA-DRB1*1501 is an allele or version of this gene (referring to the specific sequence of nucleotides). As an analogy, everyone has a gene for eye color but not everyone has a gene for blue eyes.

[@maxrules2161]

@@DrBrandonBeaber Ah makes so much sense, thank you Doctor!

[@AshleyWilson-wd6mj]

IMPORTANT QUESTION! If someone had HSCT (non beam) for MS using the Richard Burt protocol... does this by any change "over ride" this bad gene in any way?? Because if not, then what happens if someone gets HSCT for MS and they're carrying this bad gene won't they just get a MS again even if HSCT ablated the immune system and HALTED or eliminated MS from their immune system? Aren't they at HUGE risk of MS coming back!!? :( How does this work exactly? Very concerned about this. Thanks!

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

HSCT has nothing to do with the gene, but if you think about it, you are born with your genes, and only after decades and with the influence of many other environmental factors such as EBV does MS manifest clinically. And yes, HSCT can recur or progress after HSCT. It does not guarantee long term remission (this is true for BEAM as well).

[@alyassery11]

As a professional opinion, do you think vaccines in any way would be one cause of AI diseases? The jump in the last 2-3decades in AI diseases can’t be ignored and one of the major changes we have is the intense vaccination programs. What about those countries not having such vaccine programs do you have any figures of AI diseases in there?

[@pip1723]

Is MS linked to inflammatory bowel disease ? I've just been diagnosed and have a whole host of ms symptoms as well as 2 Brian lesions my doctor just dismisses my concerns ...

[@victoriaorsson3037]

Do you know if you have this gene? Are the MS doctors testing for it?

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

As I explain in the video, it's not really beneficial for an individual to do a test to see if you have this gene.

[@victoriaorsson3037]

@@DrBrandonBeaber I suppose not. So I guess this gene can’t be discovered and removed correct? I guess I’m thinking medical science fiction. Thank you.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

@@victoriaorsson3037 Unfortunately is is not currently possible to systematically remove specific genes throughout the cells of the body.

[@emilye709]

No one in my family has MS and many of them live very unhealthy lifestyle compared to me. ..How do I find this gene on 23 and me? I looked up the snp you listed but not sure what it means because you didn't say which genotype is good and which is bad?

[@danielhernandez-fo3mj]

aweome video my fam has been hit by ms a lot lol in my immediate fam me, my mom and both my older sisters have ms ... we all have it pretty different and at different types of disability my mom only have about 5 lisons i only have about 7 all of are on my brain at the moment my eldest sis has the most lisons over 22 and my middle sister has only 3 me an my middle sister both got diagnosed with a dawson figer lisons my mom and older sister have spinal lisons me and my mom have the most mobility issues my eldest sister has way more cognitive issues almost demetia like in the since of forgetting where she is .... my middle sister only has sensory issue so your right even within my fam if there is the genetic connection we all have different pregnosis my mom had an uncle wiht ms who was diagnosed during time wiht no meds so he was pretty bad and was bed ridend fast after he was diagnosed and started with sizrgues she had a cousin also wiht ms but she dient know a lot about her preagnosis .... so even if thee is a genetic connection as i do belive just cuz of my fam history there's deff a connection but the prognosis has nothing really to do wiht it how your effected i think is more connected to enviermental issues awesome video ... really would like it of you could do a video on the connection to ms and intermedeate uveitus as they both share this kinda geane also and i know like 3 percent of ms patents get intermedeate uveitus and I've been struggling with tit myself and wanted to know your opinion on it

[@kathys8701]

Thank you, so appreciative of your post. I’m especially intrigued by the information you shared about intermediate uveitis. I too would love if Dr Beaber can create a video specific to the topic of MS and intermediate uveitis. In 1987 (age 29) I was diagnosed at UCLA w/ pars planitis aka intermediate uveitis, which I was advised is sometimes seen w/ primary autoimmune diseases. At the time, blood tests were done, but no autoimmune disease diagnosed. In 2022, I had the pleasure of following up w/ the same UCLA eye doctor re my 2021 MS Dx. He believes it’s very likely that I had MS in 1987. Interestingly, I too have several paternal family members who had/have MS (my father’s older sister + a first cousin’s son) Also of note … 1) 1974 I was Dx w/ mononucleosis (age 17) 2) 1987 I was Dx w/ pars planitis (age 29) … 7 mths post birth of first child + 1 month post stopping nursing … estrogen connection? 3) 2016 I started noticing what I now know are MS symptoms + I started falling … same time as menopause (latent age 59), estrogen connection? Also a very stressful time in my life.

[@danielhernandez-fo3mj]

@@kathys8701 yeah its been a hard ting to get neros to look into or talk about since its such a controversul topic with ms since there only 3 percent of us who get it with ms as studdys say and they link it to more progressive forms ... but mine isent progressive yet lol highly symptoms lol but even my nero brings up how they just might not have found the other auto immune disease lol but i have been tested since i was 22 for them since i started my ms journey and always they come back normal so only one it could be is the ms .... but the controversy is the fact that so little form nero studlys are effected by uveitus and they don't tend to take into account the 60-80 present of people with ms who have it from a eye doc perspective they say its just a connection not nessaserly a causeation and as a scientific mind i understand the concept but hard not to see the ms connection more and want better awnsrs lol but thanks for your story knowing you have am with ms also shows how there's deef a connection to the genes as they say ms and uveitus share the same possible gene connection

[@skcamerican]

I have PPMS; my half-sister has SPMS; our maternal grandfather had Parkinson’s.

[@desiredecove5815]

Great Science 🧬 vid Doc… I need WAY more coffee to get my head around this information. #Sharingiscaring #MavencladMILF

[@desiredecove5815]

Ok I’m caffeinated and have watched this a few… so interesting- how the 🧬 genes- can be identified for other auto immune response disorders.. I think genetics 🧬 is really where- a cure will be found- especially with technology like Crispr. This was a very VERY VERY thorough- and excellent explanation. I am way positive i still didn’t understand everything you said- but not as far gone as I thought- 😂as your explanations were good.

[@desiredecove5815]

Interesting how the Vitamin D plays a role in that gene 🧬 🤔

[@desiredecove5815]

It’s all starting to click ( more or less) Luckily I trust you and your brain

[@desiredecove5815]

So REALLY 🤷🏻‍♀️🧬 we need more studies?

[@desiredecove5815]

Woop woop for the modern era 🎉🤘🏻💪🏻🧬

[@user-xk3lj3sc5p]

While this is extremely interesting, gene therapy in MS would only be useful if they can go on to use it to prevent MS/possibly tell what type of MS earlier on/treatment specific strategies and ... in conjunction with other tests to avoid incorrect MS dx.

[@PlaSpoonMar]

My myself and 5 maternal cousins from different family units have MS. We're black, and it wasn't until I was diagnosed that proved it was on the maternal side. I feel it's definitely genetic on my part as I was tested twice for EBV and was negative.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

Interesting. It is rare for an adult with MS to test negative for antibodies against EBV

[@PlaSpoonMar]

@@DrBrandonBeaber I've connected with at least 20 people who are also EBV negative. I was shocked myself

[@barbaradascalos4411]

EBV blood tests are not accurate..better more expensive tests will show EBV. Black people tend to have more aggresive disease...look into hsct for you and relatives.

[@PlaSpoonMar]

@Barbara Dascalos are you saying that I shouldn't trust what the neurologists have said about the tests? And insurance definitely will not cover hsct

[@barbaradascalos4411]

Irrelevant as there is no therapy for ebv. But in the studies where they do better tests they show only one person w/o EBV out of 800 in latest study. How much is your car loan ? Cause you can get hsct in India for $30,000. hsct should be offered to all at dx but especially to blacks. At r/multiplesclerosis there was college football player diagnosed ms and 5 yesrs later he could not walk and was living in a care home institution at 27...yes he was on Ocrevus..for what good it did him. see "ms progression in blacks ms news today" Michelle Obama father was dx ms at 30 and at 55 he passed on... instead of helping ms she grew WH vegetables to get kids eating salad..wasted opportunity.

[@Harold_Blackwell]

A family friend told me he knows twin sisters with MS.

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

I have two patients who are identical twins.

[@Robin-me8fe]

4 Support 🙂

[@andrewreisinger6860]

The thing that worries me most is my son being diagnosed with MS. I've been told that children of a parent with MS have anywhere between a one in a hundred to a one in 40 chance of having MS. I have had MS for 30 years with an EDSS of 6.5 and would not wish this MonSter on my worst enemy. Worse still, I just found out my wife's sister was recently diagnosed with MS as well. 😓

[@kara7197]

My mom has MS and when I discovered it I hid it from her cause I was afraid she would feel guilty. It's not your fault if this should ever happen. Also your prognosis are not related so even if you have a pretty high EDSS this is no sign he would progress the same way as you.

[@barbaradascalos4411]

He has had ms for 30 years...very..very few people will have ms for 30 years and have no/little disability...so if his kid has ms for 30 years they are most likely to suffer and have disability..which he does not want. Seen families where all four kids have ms.

[@kara7197]

@@barbaradascalos4411 My mom had had MS for 34 years, she walks without a cane, she limps a bit but has no significant mobility issues, so disability may come but it might also be very manageable

[@barbaradascalos4411]

There are so such few studies that go 30 years...no-one knows how many people are mobile post 30 years...assure you it's not many cause ms society uses a fifteen year mark..in their stats...so if you double that it will very few. But your mom has only had ms 34 years... progression is age related...one woman said "was fine at 30 years but secondary progressive ms hit me at 40"....same discussion a man said he turned spms after 50 years of rrms and suddenly was night/day difference. You are never out of the woods with this disease...consider hsct as it best at stopping progression. see "onset of secondary progressive ms despite long term Rituximsb therapy"

[@Sobuenoo]

Its not genetic itd the way we eat passed through generations. Thts the real genetic.

[@eltiarribero]

Excellent video, however, quoting a 🐍 🛢 pusher in a video from a reputable guy like you, Idk dude. 😉 😜

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

What part of the video are you referring to?

[@jillianking2952]

@@DrBrandonBeaber I believe they are referring to Dr. Oz 😅

[@eltiarribero]

@@DrBrandonBeaber 0:30. I'm a PIH Downey MR Technologist, and follow you for your MS videos religiously, because I have MS. Regards and Merry Christmas to you and your family..

[@DrBrandonBeaber]

@@eltiarribero Thanks. Same to you.