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The environmental risk factors in multiple sclerosis susceptibility: A case-control study
Vahid Shaygannejad1, Nooshin Rezaie2, Zamzam Paknahad3
1Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Neurology, Medical School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating and degenerating disease which involves central nervous system. Environmental risk factors have a key role in MS susceptibility. Here we aim to investigate different risk factors effect on MS susceptibility in a large population of MS patients in Isfahan, Iran.
Materials And Methods:
This study is a cross-sectional hospital-based study, which was conducted on a large group of MS patients registered in Kashani hospital and a control group from normal healthy population. Demographic data, age at onset of the disease, history of viral infections, vaccination, history of trauma to head, recent stressful events, alimentation, familial history, method of delivery (caesarean section, normal vaginal delivery), disability score and history of smoking were gathered using a designed questionnaire.
Results:
Totally 536 MS patient with the mean age of 34.37 ± 9.22 and 399 individuals from healthy population with the mean age of 32.53 ± 9.91 were recruited. Significant difference in history of measles infection (control = 15.5%, case = 22.4%, P = 0.009), consumption of dairy products (case = 56.6%, control = 67.5%, P = 0.01) and major stressful life events (case = 62.2%, control = 52.7%, P < 0.05) between these two groups were demonstrated.
Conclusion:
A significant relation between stress, history of infection and milk consumption was reached that highlights the importance of environmental risk factors in MS pathogenesis.
Insights
Environmental factors like measles infection, dairy consumption, and stress may influence multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. This study investigated these potential triggers in Iranian MS patients, highlighting their role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease influenced by environmental factors.
- Investigating these factors is crucial for understanding MS susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of various environmental risk factors on MS susceptibility.
- The study focused on a large cohort of MS patients in Isfahan, Iran.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, hospital-based study comparing 536 MS patients with 399 healthy controls.
- Data collected via questionnaire included demographics, infections, stress, diet, and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- MS patients showed a higher incidence of measles infection (22.4% vs. 15.5%) and major stressful life events (62.2% vs. 52.7%).
- Lower consumption of dairy products was observed in MS patients (56.6% vs. 67.5%).
Conclusions:
- Significant associations were found between MS and history of infection, dairy consumption, and stress.
- These findings underscore the importance of environmental factors in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
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