Environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis: a review with a focus on molecular mechanisms.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling disease of the central nervous system commonly affecting young adults. Pathologically, there are patches of inflammation (plaques) with demyelination of axons and oligodendrocyte loss. There is a global latitude gradient in MS prevalence, and incidence of MS is increasing (particularly in females). These changes suggest a major role for environmental factors in causation of disease. We have reviewed the evidence and potential mechanisms of action for three exposures: vitamin D, Epstein Barr virus and cigarette smoking. Recent advances supporting gene-environment interactions are reviewed. Further research is needed to establish mechanisms of causality in humans and to explore preventative strategies.
["O'Gorman|Cullen|C|", 'Lucas|Robyn|R|', 'Taylor|Bruce|B|']
D000328:Adult D000818:Animals D004781:Environmental Exposure D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections D005260:Female D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human D006801:Humans D007249:Inflammation D008297:Male D009103:Multiple Sclerosis D009836:Oligodendroglia D012307:Risk Factors D012737:Sex Factors D012907:Smoking D014807:Vitamin D
multiple sclerosis demyelination latitude vitamin D smoking gene-environment interaction Epstein-Barr virus epidemiology