Evidence for genetic regulation of vitamin D status in twins with multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) risk is determined by both genes and environment. One of the most striking features of MS is its geographic distribution, particularly the pattern of high MS frequency in areas with low sunlight exposure, the main inducer of vitamin D synthesis. Recent epidemiologic, experimental, and clinical evidence support an effect for low environmental supplies of vitamin D in mediating an increased susceptibility to MS.

Objectives

We 1) examined the association of serum 25-hydroxy-vitaminD [25(OH)D] concentrations and MS status and 2) assessed the genetic contribution to serum 25(OH)D concentrations and tested for its association with genetic variants in 2 candidate genes [vitamin D receptor and 1-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1)].

Design

We used a

SUBMITTER: Orton SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2740974 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature