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Multiple sclerosis and multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus in Sardinia
Abstract:
The island of Sardinia has a high and increasing incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS). In a search for environmental factors that may account for this anomalously high incidence, we looked for evidence of multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV) that has previously been found in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients. We studied 25 MS patients and 25 matched healthy controls of ascertained Sardinian lineage. Blood samples were processed for extracellular RNA extraction. RNAs underwent reverse transcription/nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primers specific for MRSV-pol gene. We found a striking correlation between MSRV positivity and MS disease, but the virus was found also only in controls (100% and 12% respectively; Fisher's exact test, p<0.00001). It is unclear whether MSRV exerts any pathogenic role in MS. It is possible that this is simply an epiphenomenon, but even then, it may constitute a diagnostic marker.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing in Sardinia. Researchers investigated a potential link between MS and multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV), finding a correlation but noting the virus also appears in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Sardinia exhibits a high and rising incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Environmental factors are being investigated to explain this elevated MS prevalence.
- Multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV) has been previously detected in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of MSRV in individuals with MS in Sardinia.
- To explore a potential association between MSRV and MS in this high-incidence population.
Main Methods:
- Studied 25 MS patients and 25 healthy controls from Sardinia.
- Extracted extracellular RNA from blood samples.
- Utilized reverse transcription/nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect MSRV-pol gene.
Main Results:
- MSRV was detected in 100% of MS patients.
- MSRV was also detected in 12% of healthy controls.
- A statistically significant correlation was observed between MSRV positivity and MS (p<0.00001).
Conclusions:
- MSRV shows a strong correlation with MS in the Sardinian population.
- The etiological role of MSRV in MS remains uncertain; it may be an epiphenomenon.
- MSRV could potentially serve as a diagnostic marker for MS.