Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026
Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice
Published on: October 13, 2023
Multiple sclerosis and environmental risk factors: a case-control study in Iran
Maryam Abbasi1,2, Seyed Massood Nabavi3,4, Seyed Mohammad Fereshtehnejad5
1Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Studies have shown an increase in the incidence of MS in Iran. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between environmental exposure and MS in Iran. This case-control study was conducted on 660 MS patients and 421 controls. Many environmental factors are compared between the two groups. Our findings demonstrated that prematurity ([OR = 4.99 (95% CI 1.34-18.68), P = 0.017]), history of measles and mumps ([OR = 1.60 (95% CI 1.05-2.45), P = 0.029; OR = 1.85 (95% CI 1.22-2.78), P = 0.003, respectively]), breast feeding [OR = 2.90 (95% CI 1.49-5.65), P = 0.002], head trauma in childhood ([OR = 8.21 (95% CI 1.56-43.06), P = 0.013]), vaccination in adulthood ([OR = 4.57 (95% CI 1.14-18.41), P = 0.032, respectively]), migraine ([OR = 3.50 (95% CI 1.61-7.59), P = 0.002]), family history of MS, IBD, migraine, and collagen vascular diseases ([OR = 2.73 (95% CI 1.56-4.78), P < 0.001], [OR = 3.14 (95% CI 1.460-6.78), P = 0.004; OR = 3.18 (95% CI 1.83-5.53), P < 0.001; OR = 1.81 (95% CI 1.03-3.20), P = 0.040, respectively]), stressful events ([OR = 32.57 (95% CI 17.21-61.64), P < 0.001]), and microwave exposure ([OR = 3.55 (95% CI 2.24-5.63), P ≤0.001]) were more in the MS group. Sun exposure ([OR = 0.09 (95% CI 0.02-0.38), P = 0.001]), dairy and calcium consumption ([OR = 0.44 (95% CI 0.27-0.71), P = 0.001]), diabetes mellitus ([OR = 0.11 (95% CI 0.01-00.99), P = 0.049], and complete vaccination during childhood appeared to decreased MS risk. Our results investigated many risk factors and protective factors in Iran.
Insights
Environmental factors like prematurity, childhood head trauma, and certain infections increase multiple sclerosis (MS) risk in Iran. Conversely, sun exposure and dairy consumption appear protective against MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) incidence is rising in Iran.
- Environmental factors are increasingly recognized as contributors to MS development.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for public health strategies in the region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between various environmental exposures and the risk of developing MS in Iran.
- To identify both risk and protective factors for MS within the Iranian population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- 660 individuals diagnosed with MS (cases) and 421 healthy individuals (controls) participated.
- Environmental exposures and medical histories were compared between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Significant risk factors for MS included prematurity, measles, mumps, childhood head trauma, adult vaccination, migraine, family history of MS and related conditions, stressful events, and microwave exposure.
- Protective factors identified were sun exposure, dairy and calcium consumption, diabetes mellitus, and complete childhood vaccination.
Conclusions:
- Multiple environmental and lifestyle factors are significantly associated with MS risk in Iran.
- Identifying these factors can inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay of genetics and environment in MS etiology within this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:29Autoimmune Disorders
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune...
01:29Environmental Influences on Intelligence
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
01:24Drug Toxicity: Risk factors