1
|
Davis GE, Davis MJ, Lowell WE. Triggering multiple sclerosis at conception and early gestation: The variation in ultraviolet radiation is as important as its intensity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16954. [PMID: 37346332 PMCID: PMC10279836 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Medical science needs to further elucidate the role of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), geographic latitude, and the role of vitamin D in the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS). We separated several papers into categories out of the thousands published and used their conclusions to explore the relationship between UVR and MS. Relevance MS is increasing in incidence, particularly in women where MS is two to three times that in men and particularly severe in African Americans. Methods We collected UVR data at our observatory in Central Maine and calculated the average coefficient of variation (CVUVR) for each month for 15 years (2007-2021, inclusive). Results The month of conception (MOC) is more important than the month of birth (MOB) in explaining how UVR triggers the variable genetic predisposition to MS. We hypothesize that the rapidly increasing CVUVR is important in preventing an increase in the activity of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) from August to December, which then requires a higher intensity of UVR later in life to suppress the immune system, therefore predisposing to more MS. Limitations One observatory at about 44° latitude. Conclusions While variation in UVR is important at the MOC if UVR exceeds a threshold (e.g., if the sunspot number equals or is greater than 90, usually at a solar cycle MAX, or at elevations above approximately 3,000 feet above sea level), the MS mitigating vitamin D-VDR mechanism is overwhelmed and the genotoxic effects of higher-intensity UVR promote MS in those with a genetic predisposition. What is new in this research This paper offers a new concept in MS research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George E. Davis
- Riverview Psychiatric Center, 250 Arsenal Street, State House Station #11, Augusta, ME, 04333-0011, USA
| | - Matthew J. Davis
- Riverview Psychiatric Center, 250 Arsenal Street, State House Station #11, Augusta, ME, 04333-0011, USA
| | - Walter E. Lowell
- Riverview Psychiatric Center, 250 Arsenal Street, State House Station #11, Augusta, ME, 04333-0011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lane J, Ng HS, Poyser C, Lucas RM, Tremlett H. Multiple sclerosis incidence: A systematic review of change over time by geographical region. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 63:103932. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
3
|
Apol KD, Lydersen LN, Mortensen Ó, Weihe P, Á Steig B, Andorsdóttir G, Gregersen NO. FarGen - participants in the genetic research infrastructure of the Faroe Islands. Scand J Public Health 2021; 50:980-987. [PMID: 34609256 PMCID: PMC9578100 DOI: 10.1177/14034948211046817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: The demographic history of the Faroe Islands makes this isolated population – founded in the 9th century – interesting for genetic research. The goal of the FarGen project was to recruit individuals to the FarGen infrastructure to promote research into the genetic features of the Faroese people, and to develop a reference panel of population-specific variants. We aimed to recruit 1500 individuals. Participation was voluntary; participants had to donate a blood sample for whole-genome sequencing, and had to answer a questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, health, motivation and attitude towards participation in genetic research. Methods: A total of 1541 participants voluntarily joined the project, donated a blood sample and returned the questionnaire. Results: Answers from the questionnaire show that participants are, in general, European, have children, have a relatively high level of education, rate their health to be good, are willing to participate in future health-related research, and were motivated to sign up primarily to participate in research to help others and local research competency building. Conclusions: Overall, the initial cohort of the FarGen infrastructure comprises 3% of the Faroese population, and represents the general population well based on the collected sociodemographic data. However, there is an excess of women, and some geographic sub-regions and age groups are slightly underrepresented. We find the recruitment method with voluntary sign-up appropriate, and knowledge acquired through the first phase will aid the next phase of the project, with the aim of expanding the FarGen cohort with additional individuals, bio-specimens and body measurements in order to perform multifactorial analyses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin D Apol
- FarGen, The Genetic Biobank of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Leivur N Lydersen
- FarGen, The Genetic Biobank of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Ólavur Mortensen
- FarGen, The Genetic Biobank of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Bjarni Á Steig
- General Medical Department, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | | | - Noomi O Gregersen
- FarGen, The Genetic Biobank of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Louis ED, Eliasen EH, Kim CY, Ferrer M, Gaini S, Petersen MS. High Prevalence of Dystonia in the Faroe Islands: A Population-Based Study. Neuroepidemiology 2019; 53:220-224. [PMID: 31430749 DOI: 10.1159/000502455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are fewer than 5 population-based studies of dystonia worldwide. Only one utilized a movement disorders neurologist. Given the potential for founder effects, and the highly genetic nature of dystonia, the Faroe Islands provide a particularly interesting setting to study the prevalence of dystonia. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of dystonia. METHODS We used a 2-phase, population-based design, screening 1,334 randomly selected Faroese individuals aged ≥40 years from which a subsample of 227 participated in an in-person clinical evaluation. Dystonia was assessed by 2 movement disorder neurologists using videotaped examinations. RESULTS Two of 227 (0.88%, 95% CI -0.33 to 2.09%) were diagnosed with cervical or segmental dystonia. An unusual form of thumb flexion dystonia was noted in 75 more, yielding a combined prevalence of 33.92% (95% CI 27.73-40.11%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of cervical or segmental dystonia was as high as in one prior population-based study using similar methods. Furthermore, an unusual form of thumb flexion dystonia was uncovered, which yielded an extraordinarily high prevalence of dystonia in this population. Although our methods likely contributed to more complete capture of subtle dystonia, founder effects are highly likely to have been an additional major contributor to these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, .,Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA, .,Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA,
| | - Eina H Eliasen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands
| | - Christine Y Kim
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Monica Ferrer
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shahin Gaini
- Centre for Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands.,Division of Infectious Diseases, National Hospital Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands.,Centre for Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Eliasen EH, Ferrer M, Gaini S, Louis ED, Petersen MS. Prevalence of Essential Tremor in the Faroe Islands: A Population-Based Study. Neuroepidemiology 2019; 52:227-236. [PMID: 30889566 DOI: 10.1159/000499070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No studies of the prevalence of one of the most common movement disorders, essential tremor (ET), have been undertaken in the Faroe Islands. Given the potential for founder effects in the Islands, and the highly genetic nature of ET, the Faroe Islands provide a particularly interesting setting in which to study the prevalence of ET. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of ET and study its characteristics. METHODS We used a 2-phase, population-based design, screening 1,328 randomly selected Faroese individuals aged ≥40 years. A subsample of 282 individuals who had returned the spirals and questionnaire was selected to participate in an in-person clinical evaluation. Tremor was systematically quantified by a senior movement disorder neurologist with particular specialization in tremor using a reliable and valid clinical rating scale followed by the application of rigorous diagnostic criteria used by tremor investigators internationally. RESULTS The overall crude prevalence was 2.9%. The age-adjusted prevalence was 3.1%. There was an age-associated rise in prevalence; by age ≥70, prevalence reached 4.8%. Twenty six of 27 (96.2%) were previously undiagnosed. CONCLUSIONS This is the first population-based study of the prevalence of ET in the Faroe Islands. The estimated prevalence was similar to studies using the same or comparable methodologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eina H Eliasen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital Systems, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands,
| | - Monica Ferrer
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shahin Gaini
- Centre for Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands.,Infectious Diseases Division, National Hospital Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Maria Skaalum Petersen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital Systems, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands.,Centre for Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faeroe Islands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A global perspective on the burden of multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:227-228. [PMID: 30679041 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(18)30498-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
7
|
Grytten N, Aarseth JH, Lunde HMB, Myhr KM. A 60-year follow-up of the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Hordaland County, Western Norway. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016; 87:100-5. [PMID: 25714916 PMCID: PMC4717445 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-309906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigate the incidence of multiple sclerosis during 1953-2013 and estimate the prevalence rate of MS on 1 January 2003 and 2013 in Hordaland County, Western Norway. METHODS All patients with onset of disease in Hordaland 1953-2013 were identified in files from previous studies until 2003 and from patient records at the departments of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital and Haugesund Hospital during 2003-2013. 1558 patients were assessed and 1402 of these were included, of whom 1035 were alive and living in Hordaland at prevalence day 1 January 2013. Annual incidence rates were calculated for 1953-2013. RESULTS On 1 January 2003, the crude prevalence rate was 191/100 000 population and on 1 January 2013, the crude prevalence rate was 211.4 (95% CI 198.3 to 224.2) per 100 000; 270.9 (95% CI 250.6 to 292.3) for women and 151.8 (95% CI 136.8 to 167.9) for men. Prevalence peaked at ages 55-59 years for women and 60-64 years for men. The annual incidence rate increased from 1.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 2.6) per 100 000 during 1953-1957 to 7.2 (95% CI 6.0 to 8.5) during 1978-1982 and to 8.5 (95% CI 7.3 to 9.7) during 2003-2007, thus indicating a stabilising incidence over the past 35 years. The female/male ratio ranged from 1.2:1 to 1.8:1 (p=0.381) during the period. CONCLUSIONS Stabilising rather than increasing incidence combined with the stable female/male ratio are indicative of non-fluctuating environmental factors in a geographical area otherwise characterised by lack of vitamin D effective sun exposure. The rising prevalence of MS could result from improved survival and follow-up methodology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Grytten
- Department of Neurology, Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Competence Centre, Haukeland University Hospital (HUS), Bergen, Norway Department of Clinical Medicine, KG Jebsen Center for MS research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - J H Aarseth
- Department of Neurology, Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Registry and Biobank, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - H M B Lunde
- Department of Neurology, Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Competence Centre, Haukeland University Hospital (HUS), Bergen, Norway
| | - K M Myhr
- Department of Clinical Medicine, KG Jebsen Center for MS research, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway Department of Neurology, Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Registry and Biobank, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Environmental Factors and Their Regulation of Immunity in Multiple Sclerosis. TRANSLATIONAL NEUROIMMUNOLOGY IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 2016. [PMCID: PMC7148631 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801914-6.00008-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis (MS), environmental factors and genetic traits cooperate in the induction of the chronic activation of immune cells to produce the brain pathology. Epidemiology has focused on different environmental risk factors but certainly virus infection, smoking, vitamin D levels, and sunlight exposure are the most relevant. What is certainly less clear is the way in which these external factors are able to induce and sustain the internal pathology process of the disease. Epigenetics has been recently focused on trying to shed light on this aspect. As a matter of fact epigenetic changes are highly sensitive to environmental factors that therefore may influence the susceptibility to the disease by acting through epigenetic modifications. In this chapter we discuss the most relevant environmental factors and how they may affect the immune response in MS. Finally, we discuss the possible role of the microbiota in inducing autoimmunity in MS.
Collapse
|
9
|
Joensen P. Myasthenia gravis incidence in a general North Atlantic isolated population. Acta Neurol Scand 2014; 130:222-8. [PMID: 24981565 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are no previous studies undertaken about myasthenia gravis in the Faroe Islands. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of onset of this disease in the Faroese population. METHOD Patients were ascertained and registered prospectively from 1986 to 2013 when they were examined at the Neurological Clinic of the Faroese National Hospital or at a private neurological practice, which constitutes all the available neurological services in the Faroe Islands. RESULT Twelve new diagnoses were made over a 27-year period, providing an incidence density rate of 9.4 per million person-years (95% confidence limit 4.9-16.5). At presentation, nine of 12 patients had generalized myasthenia gravis and two patients had pure ocular disease, and in one patient, the symptoms were restricted to the bulbo-facial muscles. The sex ratio was 2:1, F/M. In nine of the cases, a positive result of acetylcholine receptor antibody assay was documented. In all patients, there was a beneficial response to anticholinesterase administration. CONCLUSION The result yielded no strong evidence of a difference in incidence between that found in the Faroe Islands and those in most European studies, apart from recent studies from London, UK; Norway; Spain, and Italy in which incidences from 21 to 30 per million person-years had been reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Joensen
- Department of Medicine and Neuro-physiology Laboratory; National Hospital of the Faroe Islands; Torshavn Faroe Islands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Notes on the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis, with special reference to dietary habits. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:3533-45. [PMID: 24577315 PMCID: PMC3975352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15033533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A hypothesis, based primarily on the occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Faroe Islands and supported by numerous analytical epidemiological studies, is described. It proposes that MS is caused by the interaction of a virus disease with intestinal pathology, e.g., infectious mononucleosis, and application of smoked and nitrate/nitrite-cured meat products in the diet during circumscribed time intervals. The biological mechanisms might involve a break of tolerance by an alteration of self within the central nervous system, by nitrophenylated compounds conjugated to animal tissue, in particular to proteins occurring in the central nervous system. Further research is needed.
Collapse
|
11
|
Alcalde-Cabero E, Almazán-Isla J, García-Merino A, de Sá J, de Pedro-Cuesta J. Incidence of multiple sclerosis among European Economic Area populations, 1985-2009: the framework for monitoring. BMC Neurol 2013; 13:58. [PMID: 23758972 PMCID: PMC3686603 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-13-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A debate surrounding multiple sclerosis epidemiology has centred on time-related incidence increases and the need of monitoring. The purpose of this study is to reassess multiple sclerosis incidence in the European Economic Area. Methods We conducted a systematic review of literature from 1965 onwards and integrated elements of original research, including requested or completed data by surveys authors and specific analyses. Results The review of 5323 documents yielded ten studies for age- and sex-specific analyses, and 21 studies for time-trend analysis of single data sets. After 1985, the incidence of multiple sclerosis ranged from 1.12 to 6.96 per 100,000 population, was higher in females, tripled with latitude, and doubled with study midpoint year. The north registered increasing trends from the 1960s and 1970s, with a historic drop in the Faroe Islands, and fairly stable data in the period 1980-2000; incidence rose in Italian and French populations in the period 1970-2000, in Evros (Greece) in the 1980s, and in the French West Indies in around 2000. Conclusions We conclude that the increase in multiple sclerosis incidence is only apparent, and that it is not specific to women. Monitoring of multiple sclerosis incidence might be appropriate for the European Economic Area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Alcalde-Cabero
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Carlos III Institute of Health, and Consortium for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Av Monforte de Lemos 5, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Koch MW, Metz LM, Agrawal SM, Yong VW. Environmental factors and their regulation of immunity in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2012; 324:10-6. [PMID: 23154080 PMCID: PMC7127277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2012.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and clinical studies have shown that environmental factors such as infections, smoking and vitamin D are associated with the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Some of these factors also play a role in the MS disease course. We are currently beginning to understand how environmental factors may impact immune function in MS on a cellular and molecular level. Here we review epidemiological, clinical and basic immunological studies on the environmental factors, viral and parasitic infections, smoking, and vitamin D and relate epidemiological findings with their likely pathophysiology in MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus W Koch
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lauer K. Multiple sclerosis incidence in the Faroe Islands. Mult Scler 2011; 17:1393-4; author reply 1396. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458511408479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
14
|
Wallin MT, Kurtzke JF. Reply to: ‘Multiple sclerosis: variation of incidence of onset over time in the Faroe Islands’. Mult Scler 2011; 17:1395; author reply 1396. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458511422246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- MT Wallin
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC and VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence-East, US.A
- Neurology Department, Georgetown University School of Medicine, USA
- Neurology Department, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
| | - JF Kurtzke
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC and VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence-East, US.A
- Neurology Department, Georgetown University School of Medicine, USA
- Neurology Department, University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA
| |
Collapse
|