Funding information NoneHere, we discuss the rationale and feasibility of treatment directed against the modifiable risk factors in multiple sclerosis. The established environmental risk factors vitamin D insufficiency, cigarette smoke exposure, adolescence overweight, and Epstein-Barr virus infection are reviewed. Already available measures to target these risk factors are discussed.
K E Y W O R D SEpstein-Barr virus, multiple sclerosis, smoking, treatment, vitamin D
| INTRODUCTIONManagement of the modifiable environmental risk factors in MS may be regarded as a plausible and logical way to treat a patient with MS.An important premise is that if a factor is involved in the etiology of a disease then it is most probably also involved in the mechanisms responsible for disease activity. Even if this is the case, other constraints (medico-legal or lack of scientific evidence from large phase III randomized controlled trials) may hinder such actions.The recognized risk factors that we can manage and do something about are the modifiable environmental risk factors: insufficiency of vitamin D/UVB radiation, cigarette smoke exposure, adolescent overweight, and human herpesvirus infection, most certainly with EpsteinBarr virus (EBV).
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| VITAMIN D AND UV EXPOSUREVitamin D status depends mostly on sun exposure. Traditionally, the sun represents something positive. In the Western world, one usually says that the weather is great if it is a sunny day. The sun, the light, and the daytime symbolize the good side, while darkness and the nighttime represent evil and fear. But in the last decades, we have learned, from authorities such as the European Union Commission, that sunshine is harmful. Because of the risk for skin cancer, we should avoid being outdoors around noon, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen.However, in the most recent years, data have been published that suggest that we, at least in Sweden, should reconsider these advices.For example, a Swedish study showed a doubled mortality in those avoiding the sun compared to those with the highest sun exposure.