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Sex-specific environmental influences affecting MS development

Jorge Correale1, María E Balbuena Aguirre, Mauricio F Farez

  • 1Department of Neurology, Institute for Neurological Research Dr. Raúl Carrea, FLENI, Montañeses 2325 (1428), Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Clinical Immunology (Orlando, Fla.)
|March 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) risk is linked to Vitamin D, smoking, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While these factors increase MS risk, they don't explain the higher prevalence in women, suggesting a role for sex hormones.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) prevalence and incidence vary, with higher rates observed in women.
  • Factors like Vitamin D status, smoking, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection are implicated in MS pathogenesis.
  • Sex hormones may play a role in MS, evidenced by increased female prevalence in relapsing-remitting MS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the contributions of Vitamin D, smoking, and EBV to MS prevalence and incidence.
  • To explore the potential role of sex hormones in the observed gender differences in MS.
  • To identify environmental and hormonal factors influencing MS gender disparities.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing cross-sectional studies and animal models.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on MS prevalence and incidence.
  • Focus on the interplay between immunomodulatory factors and sex hormones.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D, smoking, and EBV infection are confirmed risk factors for MS.
  • A functional synergy exists between Vitamin D3 and 17-β estradiol in immunomodulation.
  • Current factors do not fully account for the increasing female predominance in MS.

Conclusions:

  • Further large-scale, population-based case-control studies are needed.
  • Investigating environmental factors and sex hormone influences is crucial.
  • Understanding gender differences in MS requires comprehensive etiological research.
Keywords:
Environmental factorsEpstein–Barr virusGenderMultiple SclerosisSmokingVitamin D

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