Is high socioeconomic status a risk factor for multiple sclerosis? A systematic review

Background: The environmental factors play a major role as risk factors of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed at gathering environmental risk factors of MS in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Methods: We used MEDLINE and EMBASE databases by a systematic review method. Out of a total of 123 studies, 16 studies met the eligibility criteria. Results: Totally, 47 risk factors were assessed as follows: six studies found sunlight exposure as a protective factor with the odds ratio (OR) ranging from 0.06 to 0.57. Six studies evaluated smoking as a risk factor with the OR ranging from 1.69 in all patients to 6.48 in female patients. Four studies supported measles infection as a risk factor with the OR ranging from 1.60 to 3.77, and in 3 studies, stressful events had a significant association with the OR of 1.80, 1.90, and 32.57. Conclusion: Among 47 assessed risk factors, sunlight exposure, cigarette smoking, measles infection, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and stressful events had a significant association with MS.

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Socioeconomic status throughout life and body mass index: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Cadernos de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/0102-311x00125518 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (10) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Luna Strieder Vieira ◽

Isabel Oliveira Bierhals ◽

Juliana dos Santos Vaz ◽

Fernanda de Oliveira Meller ◽

Fernando César Wehrmeister ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Life Course ◽

Social Mobility ◽

Body Mass ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

High Socioeconomic Status ◽

Low Socioeconomic

Abstract: This article aimed to systematically review the association between socioeconomic status according to the life course models and the body mass index (BMI) in adults. A review was performed following the guidelines of the PRISMA. The studies were identified in the MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS and Web of Science databases. The eligible articles investigated the association between at least one life course model (risk accumulation, critical period or social mobility) and BMI. In order to assess the quality of the selected articles, the NOS checklist was applied to each study. Eleven articles were selected for the systematic review, and seven articles were selected for the meta-analysis. The average score and the median in the NOS checklist were 6.4, within a maximum possible score of 8 points. The most used model was social mobility. Regarding meta-analysis, there was association between lower life course socioeconomic status and BMI among women. BMI mean difference (MD) was higher among those who remained with low socioeconomic status throughout life when compared with those who maintained a high socioeconomic status (MD: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.48; 2.86). Before that, the BMI MD was higher among those with upward mobility, compared with those who maintained a high socioeconomic status throughout life (MD: 1.20, 95%CI: 0.73; 1.68). The risk of overweight was also higher among women who maintained low socioeconomic status (summary RR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.05; 2.74); however, according to the GRADE, the studies presented very low quality evidence. For men, no association was observed. Having low socioeconomic status sometime during life is associated with higher BMI in adulthood.

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A Systematic Review of the Impact of Dietary Sodium on Autoimmunity and Inflammation Related to Multiple Sclerosis

Advances in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/advances/nmz032 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 902-910

Author(s):

Yasmine Probst ◽

Erin Mowbray ◽

Erika Svensen ◽

Keats Thompson

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Immune Response ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Dietary Sodium ◽

Eating Pattern ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

The Impact

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Current research into potential causes, risk factors, and treatment is largely based around the immune response involved in the pathophysiology of the disease, including factors that contribute to the augmentation of this immune response. This review aimed to determine the role of sodium as a risk factor for increased autoimmunity and inflammation in relation to MS pathogenesis. This systematic review searched the Scopus, MEDLINE, and PubMed scientific databases for studies related to MS and sodium. Studies were included if they addressed sodium intake and MS but were not limited to a disease type or to a study design. Study quality was assessed through the use of the quality rating checklist of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A total of 12 studies were included in the review, including human, animal, and cellular studies. The studies related to the proinflammatory effect of sodium, the blood-brain barrier, and an effect on autoimmunity. The data presented throughout this review provide insight into the emerging evidence base for sodium intake as a risk factor for MS disease progression and potentially onset of disease. More studies are needed to determine if the influence of sodium is as a single nutrient or has a combined effect as part of an overall eating pattern. This review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42016039174.

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Factors associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review

10.1101/2021.06.11.21258765 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mahdi Barzegar ◽

Sara Bagherieh ◽

Shakiba Houshi ◽

Mozhgan Sadat Hashemi ◽

Ghasem Pishgahi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Reference List ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Anti Cd20

Background: We conducted this systematic review to identify factors associated with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) susceptibility and outcomes among people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Available studies from PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and gray literature including reference list and conference abstracts were searched from December 1, 2019, through April 12, 2021. We included cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies that reported risk factors of contracting COVID-19 or its outcome in patients with MS on univariate or multivariate regression analyses. Results: Out of the initial 2719 records and 1553 conference abstracts, a total of 20 studies were included. Factors associated with COVID-19 susceptibility were reported in 11 studies and risk factors for infection outcomes were discussed in 10. History of contact with an infected is strongly suggested as a risk factor for COVID-19 susceptibility. Other factors that could be associated with contracting infection are younger age, relapsing course, and anti-CD20 agents. The evidence suggests that increasing age, greater MS severity, treatment with anti-CD20 agents, previous use of corticosteroids, and specific comorbidities (obesity and coronary artery disease) could be independently associated with worse infection outcomes. Male sex is likely to be a risk factor for more severe disease. The black or African American race was reported as a possible risk factor. Conclusion: Due to a paucity of research and methodological issues, no risk factors for COVID-19 susceptibility and outcomes neither be confirmed nor excluded. Further large studies are needed to address factors associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.

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