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Exposome, oxidative stress and inflammation in persons with multiple sclerosis: the EXPOSITION study protocol
Maria Cristina Monti1, Rachele De Giuseppe2, Gloria Bertoli3
1Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Frontiers in Public Health
|November 7, 2025
Summary
The EXPOSITION study examines environmental exposures and their link to biological markers in multiple sclerosis (MS). This research seeks to uncover new insights into MS development and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Neuroimmunology
- Disease Mechanisms
Background:
- The exposome, encompassing all life exposures, is crucial in chronic disease development, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
- MS is a complex condition with both genetic and environmental influences.
- Understanding the interplay between external and internal exposures is vital for MS research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the external exposome (environmental exposures) and the internal exposome (biological markers of oxidative stress and inflammation) in individuals with MS.
- To identify specific environmental factors and biological pathways implicated in MS pathogenesis.
- To provide foundational data for developing targeted interventions and personalized therapies for MS.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 200 individuals diagnosed with MS.
- Assessment of lifestyle and occupational variables, alongside biological markers: circulating microRNAs, neurofilament light chains, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and gut/nasal microbiota.
- Application of advanced statistical models, including generalized linear models and multivariate analyses, to determine exposure-outcome associations.
Main Results:
- Analysis of associations between various environmental exposures and key biological markers in the MS cohort.
- Identification of potential links between specific external exposures and internal biological responses related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Characterization of the gut and nasal microbiota composition in relation to MS and environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the critical role of the exposome in MS, integrating environmental factors with biological responses.
- Findings offer insights into MS mechanisms, suggesting potential targets for intervention.
- This research paves the way for personalized therapeutic strategies and public health initiatives to manage MS progression.
