Risk Factors towards "MS":
These are the four major factors that may influence multiple sclerosis:
- Genetics
- Environmental
- Immunology
- Infectious
- Other
Genetic Factors
Many genes are thought to be involved in causing MS. Two genes are currently thought to be involved:
- HRA-DBA1
- IL7R
Environmental Factors
MS is known to be brought in people living far from the equator. (UV? E.F.?) A study has shown that people who move from a high risk of having MS to a lower risk area before the age of 15, become that low risk. This correlation has shown the relationship between MS and environmental factors before puberty. Lack of Vitamin D is a possible factor in causing MS. People living near the equator have a high absorption of vitamin D, which helps in helping the immune system and avoiding immune-mediated diseases. Smoking is another risk factor widely influencing on getting MS; fortunately, it can slow down the onset of MS if the person stops smoking.
|
Infectious Factors
Since MS is usually triggered at an early age before puberty, most infectious factors may contribute to its trigger because of children/teens being more vulnerable during this time period. Some viruses being researched:
- Measles virus
- Human herpes virus-6 (HHV6)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Other Factors
- Sex: Women are two to three times more likely to develop MS than men are.
- Age: According to the Mayo Clinic, MS usually strikes between the ages of 20 and 40.
- Ethnicity: People of northern European descent are at highest risk of developing MS.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (N/A). National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Retrieved from. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/:
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (April 4, 2017). multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/multiple-sclerosis#genes
Laura A. Magnifico and Cathie Ericson. (March 3, 2016). 4 Possible Causes of MS. Retrieved from. http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/possible-causes#Overview1
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (April 4, 2017). multiple sclerosis. Retrieved from. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/multiple-sclerosis#genes
Laura A. Magnifico and Cathie Ericson. (March 3, 2016). 4 Possible Causes of MS. Retrieved from. http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/possible-causes#Overview1