Long-term effects of latitude, ambient temperature, and ultraviolet radiation on the incidence of multiple sclerosis in two cohorts of US women.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) risk by latitude have been observed worldwide; however, the exposures driving these associations are unknown. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) has been explored as a risk factor, and ambient temperature has been correlated with disease progression. However, no study has examined the impact of all three exposures. We examined the association between these exposures and incidence of MS within two nationwide prospective cohorts of women, the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII).

Methods

Both cohorts were followed with biennial questionnaires to ascertain new diagnoses and risk factors. Time-varying exposures to latitude, cumulative average July temperature (°C), and cumulative average July erythemal UV (mW/m<

SUBMITTER: Lam T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7431017 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature