scholarly journals Season of birth is associated with multiple sclerosis and disease severity

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 205521732110657
Author(s):  
P Stridh ◽  
J Huang ◽  
AK Hedström ◽  
L Alfredsson ◽  
T Olsson ◽  
...  

Background The latitude gradient in multiple sclerosis incidence indicates that low sun exposure and therefore vitamin D deficiency is associated with multiple sclerosis risk. Objective Investigation of the effect of month of birth, which influences postnatal vitamin D levels, on multiple sclerosis risk and severity in Sweden. Methods Patients and population-based controls were included from three nationwide cohorts. Differences in month of birth between cases and controls were analyzed using logistic regression and examined for effect modification by calendar year and geographic region at birth. Results Males had a reduced risk of multiple sclerosis if born in the winter and increased risk if born in the early fall. Individuals born before 1960 had an increased risk if born in summer or fall. Being born in late summer and early fall was associated with more severe disease. Conclusions We identified a birth cohort effect on the association between the month of birth and multiple sclerosis, with a more significant effects for births before 1960. This coincides with a period of lower breastfeeding rates, recommended intake of vitamin D, and sun exposure, resulting in a lower vitamin D exposure during the fall/winter season for infants born in the summer.

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 1856-1864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianna Cortese ◽  
Trond Riise ◽  
Kjetil Bjørnevik ◽  
Trygve Holmøy ◽  
Margitta T Kampman ◽  
...  

Background: Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), although it remains unknown whether this relationship varies by age. Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate the association between vitamin D3 supplementation through cod liver oil at different postnatal ages and MS risk. Methods: In the Norwegian component of the multinational case-control study Environmental Factors In Multiple Sclerosis (EnvIMS), a total of 953 MS patients with maximum disease duration of 10 years and 1717 controls reported their cod liver oil use from childhood to adulthood. Results: Self-reported supplement use at ages 13–18 was associated with a reduced risk of MS (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52–0.86), whereas supplementation during childhood was not found to alter MS risk (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.81–1.26), each compared to non-use during the respective period. An inverse association was found between MS risk and the dose of cod liver oil during adolescence, suggesting a dose-response relationship ( p trend = 0.001) with the strongest effect for an estimated vitamin D3 intake of 600–800 IU/d (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.31–0.70). Conclusions: These findings not only support the hypothesis relating to low vitamin D as a risk factor for MS, but further point to adolescence as an important susceptibility period for adult-onset MS.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Hejazi ◽  
Reza Amani ◽  
Naser SharafodinZadeh ◽  
Bahman Cheraghian

Objective. The aim of the present study was to compare the serum levels of total antioxidant status (TAS) and 25(OH) D3 and dietary intake of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with those of normal subjects.Method. Thirty-seven MS patients (31 women) and the same number of healthy matched controls were compared for their serum levels and dietary intake of 25(OH) D3 and TAS. Sun exposure and the intake of antioxidants and vitamin D rich foods were estimated through face-to-face interview and food frequency questionnaire.Results. Dietary intake of antioxidants and vitamin D rich foods, vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate was not significantly different between the two groups. There were also no significant differences in the mean levels of 25(OH) D3 and TAS between the study groups. Both groups had low serum levels of 25(OH) D3 and total antioxidants.Conclusion. No significant differences were detected in serum levels and dietary intake of vitamin D and antioxidants between MS patients and healthy controls. All subjects had low antioxidant status and vitamin D levels.


2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 563-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
JL Dickinson ◽  
DI Perera ◽  
AF van der Mei ◽  
A-L Ponsonby ◽  
AM Polanowski ◽  
...  

Multiple studies have provided evidence for an association between reduced sun exposure and increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), an association likely to be mediated, at least in part, by the vitamin D hormonal pathway. Herein, we examine whether the vitamin D receptor ( VDR), an integral component of this pathway, influences MS risk in a population-based sample where winter sun exposure in early childhood has been found to be an important determinant of MS risk. Three polymorphisms within the VDR gene were genotyped in 136 MS cases and 235 controls, and associations with MS and past sun exposure were examined by logistic regression. No significant univariate associations between the polymorphisms, rs11574010 ( Cdx-2A > G), rs10735810 ( Fok1T >  C), or rs731236 ( Taq1C > T) and MS risk were observed. However, a significant interaction was observed between winter sun exposure during childhood, genotype at rs11574010, and MS risk ( P = 0.012), with the ‘G’ allele conferring an increased risk of MS in the low sun exposure group (≤2 h/day). No significant interactions were observed for either rs10735810 or rs731236, after stratification by sun exposure. These data provide support for the involvement of the VDR gene in determining MS risk, an interaction likely to be dependent on past sun exposure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
A. Martinez-Hernandez ◽  
E. E. Perez-Guerrero ◽  
M. A. Macias-Islas ◽  
C. A. Nava-Valdivia ◽  
A. Villagomez-Vega ◽  
...  

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Low vitamin D levels have been reported to be a risk factor for MS, and genetic variances could be implicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MS with rs10766197 polymorphism of CYP2R1 gene and rs10877012 polymorphism of CYP27B1 gene. The second aim was to analyse whether these polymorphisms are associated with the severity of the progression of MS. Material and Methods. In a case-control study, we included 116 MS patients and 226 controls, all of whom were Mexican Mestizo. MS was diagnosed by McDonald criteria (2017). A complete neurological evaluation was performed to evaluate the severity of disease progression. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) vitamin D] levels were measured by ELISA. Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs10766197 of CYP2R1 gene and rs10877012 SNP of CYP27B1 gene were genotyped by real-time PCR. Results. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were lower in MS patients than in controls ( p = 0.009 ). No differences were observed between serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels of MS patients with severe progression compared to low progression ( p = 0.88 ). A higher frequency of the A allele of CYP2R1 rs10766197 was observed between MS patients and controls ( p = 0.05 ). No differences were observed in the frequency of T allele of CYP27B1 rs10877012 ( p = 0.65 ). In subanalysis, patients with GA + AA genotypes of CYP2R1 rs10766197 had an increased risk of MS compared to controls ( p = 0.03 ). No increased risk was observed in GT + TT genotypes of CYP27B1 rs10877012 ( p = 0.63 ). No differences were observed in allele frequencies of either polymorphism between patients with severe vs. low disease progression. Conclusion. Lower serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were observed in MS patients than in controls, although these levels were not associated with disease progression. Carriers of GA + AA genotypes of CYP2R1 rs10766197 had an increased risk of MS. None of these polymorphisms was associated with severe progression of MS.


2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 773-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
MB D'hooghe ◽  
G. Nagels ◽  
V. Bissay ◽  
J. De Keyser

A growing body of literature indicates that the natural course of multiple sclerosis can be influenced by a number of factors. Strong evidence suggests that relapses can be triggered by infections, the postpartum period and stressful life events. Vaccinations against influenza, hepatitis B and tetanus appear to be safe. Surgery, general and epidural anaesthesia, and physical trauma are not associated with an increased risk of relapses. Factors that have been associated with a reduced relapse rate are pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, sunlight exposure and higher vitamin D levels. A number of medications, including hormonal fertility treatment, seem to be able to trigger relapses. Factors that may worsen progression of disability include stressful life events, radiotherapy to the head, low levels of physical activity and low vitamin D levels. Strong evidence suggests that smoking promotes disease progression, both clinically and on brain magnetic resonance imaging. There is no evidence for an increased progression of disability following childbirth in women with multiple sclerosis. Moderate alcohol intake and exercise might have a neuroprotective effect, but this needs to be confirmed.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annette Langer-Gould ◽  
Robyn Lucas ◽  
Anny Xiang ◽  
Lie Chen ◽  
Jun Wu ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 2384
Author(s):  
Patricia Urbaneja ◽  
Isaac Hurtado-Guerrero ◽  
Miguel Ángel Hernández ◽  
Begoña Oliver-Martos ◽  
Celia Oreja-Guevara ◽  
...  

Environmental and genetic factors are assumed to be necessary for the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), however its interactions are still unclear. For this reason here, we have not only analyzed the impact on increased risk of MS of the best known factors (HLA-DRB1*15:01 allele, sun exposure, vitamin D levels, smoking habit), but we have included another factor (skin phototype) that has not been analyzed in depth until now. This study included 149 MS patients and 147 controls. A multivariate logistic regression (LR) model was carried out to determine the impact of each of the factors on the increased risk of MS. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate predictive value of the models. Our multifactorial LR model of susceptibility showed that females with light brown skin (LBS), smokers and who had HLA-DRB1*15:01 allele had a higher MS risk (LBS: OR = 5.90, IC95% = 2.39–15.45; smoker: OR = 4.52, IC95% = 2.69–7.72; presence of HLA-DRB1*15:01: OR = 2.39, IC95% = 1.30–4.50; female: OR = 1.88, IC95% = 1.08–3.30). This model had an acceptable discriminant value with an Area Under a Curve AUC of 0.76 (0.69–0.82). Our study indicates that MS risk is determined by complex interactions between sex, environmental factors, and genotype where the milieu could provide the enabling proinflammatory environment that drives an autoimmune attack against myelin by self-reactive lymphocytes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Hempel ◽  
Glenn D Graham ◽  
Ning Fu ◽  
Elena Estrada ◽  
Annie Y Chen ◽  
...  

Background: The presenting symptoms and rate of progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) are very heterogeneous. The diverse clinical manifestations and the clinical course of the disease may vary with modifiable risk factors. Objective: To systematically review modifiable risk factors and exposures associated with MS progression. Methods: We searched six databases till March 2015, reference-mined reviews, and consulted with experts (PROSPERO 2015:CRD42015016461). Two reviewers screened and extracted data. We used random meta-analysis models and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) to assess the quality of evidence. Results: In total, 59 studies met inclusion criteria. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ( r = −0.22; confidence interval (CI) = −0.32, −0.12; 11 studies; I2 = 66%), smokers had an increased risk of MS progression (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.55; CI = 1.10, 2.19; I2 = 72%; seven studies), and there was no association of MS progression with the use of epidural analgesics during childbirth delivery (three studies). There was insufficient evidence to draw conclusions for 11 risk factors due to conflicting results or use of different predictor and outcome measures. Conclusion: MS progression was consistently associated with low vitamin D levels, and smoking was associated with a more rapid decline in MS disability. Studies used a variety of methods, predictors, and outcomes making it difficult to draw conclusions. Future studies should focus on prospective assessments.


2021 ◽  
pp. 135245852199548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adil Harroud ◽  
Despoina Manousaki ◽  
Guillaume Butler-Laporte ◽  
Ruth E Mitchell ◽  
George Davey Smith ◽  
...  

Background: Obesity is associated with increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS); however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: To determine the extent to which decreased vitamin D bioavailability and altered levels of adiponectin and leptin mediate the association between obesity and MS. Methods: We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to estimate the effects on MS of body mass index (BMI), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), adiponectin, and leptin levels in a cohort of 14,802 MS cases and 26,703 controls. We then estimated the proportion of the effect of obesity on MS explained by these potential mediators. Results: Genetic predisposition to higher BMI was associated with increased MS risk (odds ratio (OR) = 1.33 per standard deviation (SD), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–1.63), while higher 25OHD levels reduced odds of MS (OR = 0.72 per SD, 95% CI = 0.60–0.87). In contrast, we observed no effect of adiponectin or leptin. In MR mediation analysis, 5.2% of the association between BMI and MS was attributed to obesity lowering 25OHD levels (95% CI = 0.3%–31.0%). Conclusions: This study found that a minority of the increased risk of MS conferred by obesity is mediated by lowered vitamin D levels, while leptin and adiponectin had no effect. Consequently, vitamin D supplementation would only modestly reverse the effect of obesity on MS.


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