Journal Article

Environmental and genetic risk factors for MS: an integrated review

Mowry, Ellen, Waubant, Emmanuelle, Langer‐Gould, Annette, Lucas, Robyn, Alfredsson, Lars, Olsson, Tomas, Graves, Jennifer

2019

Overview

Recent findings have provided a molecular basis for the combined contributions of multifaceted risk factors for the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS appears to start as a chronic dysregulation of immune homeostasis resulting from complex interactions between genetic predispositions, infectious exposures, and factors that lead to pro‐inflammatory states, including smoking, obesity, and low sun exposure. This is supported by the discovery of gene–environment (GxE) interactions and epigenetic alterations triggered by environmental exposures in individuals with particular genetic make‐ups. It is notable that several of these pro‐inflammatory factors have not emerged as strong prognostic indicators. Biological processes at play during the relapsing phase of the disease may result from initial inflammatory‐mediated injury, while risk factors for the later phase of MS, which is weighted toward neurodegeneration, are not yet well defined. This integrated review of current evidence guides recommendations for clinical practice and highlights research gaps.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,John Wiley and Sons Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Antigens / Disease / Environmental Exposure - adverse effects / Epigenetics / Gene expression / Gene-Environment Interaction / Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Health risk assessment / Humans / Immune system / Infections / Lymphocytes / Multiple sclerosis / Multiple Sclerosis - etiology / Multiple Sclerosis - genetics / Neurodegeneration / Pathogenesis / Peptides / Review / Risk Factors / Smoking - adverse effects / Tumor necrosis factor-TNF / Viral infections / Vitamin D