Air pollution could be risk factor for MS

● Italian researchers study incidence of disease in urban and rural population

Air pollution has emerged as a potential risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS), an auto-immune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.

A team of Italian researchers studied the incidence of MS in urban and rural populations in Pavia, northern Italy.

The study has mapped the results against average air pollution levels for different parts of the region.

Even after adjusting for age, deprivation and urbanisation, Ms rates were 29 percent higher among those living in towns and cities where air quality breached European limits, the team found. We believe that air pollution interacts through several mechanisms in the development of MS and the results of this study strengthen that hypothesis,” said lead researcher Professor Roberto Bergamaschi, from the Casimiro Mondino National Neurological Institute Foundation in Pavia.

MS is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms.

These symptoms include problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance.

The disease is a life-long condition that can cause serious disability and reduced life expectancy.

Environmental factors such as smoking and vitamin D levels have already been linked to higher rates of MS, but the new research is one of only a handful of studies to consider the impact of air pollution.

The team acknowledged that some of these other risk factors could also be contributing to the higher incidence of MS among urban residents, including smoking, sun exposure, indoor pollution levels, diet and genetics.

But they said the results nevertheless suggest air pollution could be a trigger for developing MS.

In particular, the tiny grains of particulate matter known as PM2.5 seem to be most harmful.

PM2.5 is emitted by vehicle exhausts, heavy industry and fires, and is already a known risk factor for other diseases, including heart and lung disease.

The research is presented today at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Virtual Congress.

Those across Scotland living with MS and shielding during the Covid-19 pandemic have meanwhile been asked to contribute to a new study.

The MS Society is looking for people with MS to provide vital information on how coronavirus is affecting them.

Morna Simpkins, director of MS Society Scotland, said: “More than 15,000 people live with MS in Scotland and we are asking every one of them to join this study to help us understand more about Covid-19.

“There’s so much we don’t know about this virus and only real world data will help us change that.

“This is a worrying and uncertain time for all of us, but many people living with MS are especially vulnerable, and this study will allow us to support them as best we can.”