Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 17, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

11.2K

Frequency of viral infections and environmental factors in multiple sclerosis

Mohammad Mahdi Eftekharian1, Masoud Sabouri Ghannad2, Mohammad Taheri3

  • 1Faculty of Paramedicine, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.

Human Antibodies
|July 30, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Environmental factors like childhood infections and lifestyle choices significantly increase multiple sclerosis (MS) risk in Iran. Understanding these links aids in better MS diagnosis and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
  • Environmental risk factors for MS onset and progression remain incompletely understood, particularly in specific geographic regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and illustrate hypotheses related to environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iran.
  • To identify specific environmental factors contributing to MS onset and progression in the Iranian population.

Main Methods:

  • Univariate logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the impact of environmental factors on MS risk.
  • Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.

Main Results:

  • Childhood infections including rubella, measles, and chickenpox were significantly associated with an increased risk of MS.
  • Low dairy consumption, seafood avoidance, smoking (active and passive), stress, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies were identified as significant risk factors for MS.
  • Negative thought patterns and experiencing sudden shock were also linked to a higher risk of developing MS.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides partial insights into the complex interplay between environmental factors and MS in Iran.
  • Identifying these environmental factors can contribute to more accurate diagnostic and prognostic methods for MS.
Keywords:
Multiple sclerosisdairy productsenvironmental exposureseafoodstress disorders

More Related Videos

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination09:38

Determining Immune System Suppression versus CNS Protection for Pharmacological Interventions in Autoimmune Demyelination

Published on: September 12, 2016

12.9K
Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice05:44

Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice

Published on: October 13, 2023

2.6K

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
14.5K
Factors Affecting Illness01:18

Factors Affecting Illness

When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
5.6K
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
25.5K
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
2.4K
Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
40.6K
Viruses of Archaea01:29

Viruses of Archaea

Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
629