The causal cascade to multiple sclerosis: a model for MS pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

MS pathogenesis seems to involve both genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors. Three sequential factors are implicated in the environmental risk. The first acts near birth, the second acts during childhood, and the third acts long thereafter. Two candidate factors (vitamin D deficiency and Epstein-Barr viral infection) seem well suited to the first two environmental events.

Methodology/principal findings

A mathematical Model for MS pathogenesis is developed, incorporating these environmental and genetic factors into a causal scheme that can explain some of the recent changes in MS-epidemiology (e.g., increasing disease prevalence, a changing sex-ratio, and regional variations in monozygotic twin concordance rates).

Conclusions/significance

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SUBMITTER: Goodin DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2644781 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature