Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease wherein the body attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers the nerve fibers. This illness puts the central nervous system—the brain and the spinal cord—at risk of disability. Symptoms that accompany this illness include impaired coordination between the brain and body, slurred speech, and vision loss. Let’s look at the genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk of multiple sclerosis.
Environmental or lifestyle factors:
- Insufficient sun exposure
A lack of sunlight exposure and a deficiency of vitamin D have been linked with multiple sclerosis in several studies. Vitamin D is essential for the immune system to function at its best, and a deficiency can compromise the fighting capability of the system. So, a lack of sunlight exposure is a potent risk factor for multiple sclerosis. - Obesity
Being overweight is directly associated with the risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). People who were overweight or obese in their childhood and early adulthood are more likely to develop MS. Young adults aged 20 with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater are at more risk of developing MS than people with a BMI of 18.5 to 21 kg/m2. - Autoimmune diseases
People with other autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, pernicious anemia, and inflammatory bowel syndrome face a significantly higher risk of MS. Autoimmune diseases weaken the system and make the body more prone to infections and illnesses. - Climate
People who live in cold regions like Canada, North America, New Zealand, and Europe only get sunlight for a few months a year and lack vitamin D. Low levels of this vitamin, as mentioned earlier, add to the risk of MS as they aid in the optimal function of the immune system. - Smoking
People who smoke cigarettes or inhale passive smoke tend to develop an illness faster than people who do not smoke cigarettes. - Infections
Infections like cold, flu, urinary tract infection, and those caused by the Epstein-Barr (infectious mononucleosis) virus are among the lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to worsening MS symptoms. Patients experience a flare-up of abdominal pain, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms when they are fighting an infection.
Genetics:
- Family history
If two or more immediate relatives have MS, it puts an individual at a higher risk of manifesting this disease. - Mutations in the HLA-DRB1 gene
Mutations in the HLA-DRB1 gene are the biggest factors that contribute to MS risk. This gene from the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex helps the immune system distinguish between the proteins produced by the body and the proteins produced by invaders (infections). - Mutations in the IL7R gene
The IL7R gene is responsible for stimulating signals that encourage the growth and survival of immune cells.
Since these genes are involved in protecting and strengthening the immune system, a mutation can have a negative impact, elevating the risk of developing MS.
