补体因子H Y402H基因多态性与动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死的关系

目的探讨补体因子H Y402H基因多态性与动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死发病的关系及其对颈总动脉内膜-中膜厚度的影响。方法选择190例动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死患者,应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性(PCR-RFLP)方法检测补体因子H Y402H基因多态性,彩色多普勒超声技术检测颈总动脉内膜-中膜厚度,并与200名健康对照比较。结果在脑梗死组中CC基因型和TC基因型颈总动脉内膜-中膜厚度明显高于TT基因型,而各基因型频率与健康对照组比较差异无统计学意义。结论补体因子H Y402H基因多态性可能不是动脉粥样硬化性脑梗死的遗传易感因素,但可能与动脉粥样硬化有关。     

小儿结核性脑膜炎外周血补体因子 H、载脂蛋白A1和淀粉样蛋白A表达水平变化及其临床意义

目的 探讨小儿结核性脑膜炎(Tuberculous meningitis, TBM)外周血补体因子H(Complement factor H,CFH)、载脂蛋白A1(Apolipoprotein AI,ApoAI)和淀粉样蛋白A(Serum amyloid A,SAA)表达水平变化,分析其与TBM病情和预后的关系。方法 选择2017年3月-2021年1月本院收治的112例TBM患儿,根据英国医学研究理事会(Medical research council, MRC)分期标准分为Ⅰ期组(37例)、Ⅱ期组(46例)、Ⅲ期组(29例),根据改良Rankin量表(Modified Rankin Scale, mRS)评分将患儿分为预后良好组(0～2分,62例),预后不良组(≥3分,50例)。另选择71例健康儿童为对照组;检测血清CFH,ApoAI,SAA水平,分析其与TBM病情以及预后的关系。结果 TBM组血清CFH,SAA水平均高于对照组(P<0.05),ApoAI水平低于对照组(P<0.05);重度组血清CFH,SAA水平高于中度组和轻度组(P<0.05),ApoAI水平...     

Association of serum growth differentiation factor 15 level with acute ischemic stroke in a Chinese population

Abstract

Background: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a member of the transforming growth factor-ß family. Elevated GDF-15 concentrations are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disease.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the clinical significance of serum GDF-15 level after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in a Chinese population.

Methods: We compared serum GDF-15 levels between 83 AIS patients and 124 controls. At admission and on day 7, we recorded the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and measured serum GDF-15 levels for AIS patients and for control patients at admission. Stroke volumes were calculated using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging performed at admission. Clinical outcomes were evaluated 90?days later using the modified Rankin Scale.

Results: Serum GDF-15 level at admission was significantly higher in AIS patients than in controls (p?<?.01). GDF-15 level on day 7 was significantly higher in the poor outcomes group than in the good outcomes group (p?<?.05). Higher GDF-15 levels at admission and on day 7 were related to larger stroke volumes (p?<?.01). Binary logistic regression indicated that serum GDF-15 level at admission may be independently related with AIS (p?<?.01). Serum GDF-15 level on day 7 may independently associated with poor outcomes after AIS (p?<?.05).

Conclusions: GDF-15 level at admission may independently related to AIS, and GDF-15 level on day 7 could independently predict outcomes at 90?days after AIS. GDF-15 may provide prognostic information after AIS in a Chinese population.     

Inflammatory cytokines,complement factor H and anhedonia in drug-naïve major depressive disorder

ObjectiveAnhedonia is a core symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD) and often associated with poor prognosis. The main objective of the present study was to explore the relationship between complement factor H (CFH), inflammatory cytokines and anhedonia in drug-naïve MDD patients.MethodsA total of 215 participants (61 MDD patients with anhedonia, 78 MDD patients without anhedonia, and 76 control subjects) were included. Severity of depression and levels of anhedonia were evaluated by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 (HAMD-17) and SHAPS (Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale). Plasma levels of CFH, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured.ResultsThe plasma levels of CFH, IL-10 and TNF-α were higher in drug-naïve MDD patients than control subjects. Compared to MDD patients without anhedonia, patients with anhedonia showed higher levels of CFH and IL-6. The stepwise regression analysis revealed that IL-10, TNF-α, as well as IL-10 × TNF-α were associated with depressive symptoms measured by HAMD-17 in drug-naïve MDD patients, while only CFH levels were identified as a mediator factor for the severity of anhedonia in the patients.ConclusionMDD patients with anhedonia showed different inflammatory characteristics compared to patients without anhedonia. Our results provide novel evidence suggesting that increased plasma CFH levels may be a potential biomarker of anhedonia of subtyping MDD.     

Complement Factor H Y402H Polymorphism is not Associated with Late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease

There is evidence to suggest a role for immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, and it has previously been shown that blood plasma levels of the protein complement factor H, a member of the alternative complement pathway, was specifically elevated in people with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. We have genotyped the common complement factor H Y402H polymorphism in a large case–control cohort to investigate association with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease susceptibility and find no evidence that this SNP is associated with disease risk. However, it remains possible that another variant in this gene may modify susceptibility for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.     

Effects of major adipokines and the −420 C > G resistin gene polymorphism on the long-term outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Aim: The association between adiponectin, leptin, and resistin and the long-term outcome of ischemic stroke are controversial. We aimed to evaluate this relationship.

Methods: We prospectively studied 83 patients consecutively hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke (38.6% males, age 79.7?±?6.3?years). Serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels and the ?420C?>?G polymorphism of the resistin gene were determined at admission. Stroke severity at admission was evaluated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). One year after discharge, functional status, incidence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality were recorded. Functional status was evaluated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS).

Results: Patients with the G allele had lower mRS (p?<?.05) and patients with adverse outcome had higher serum resistin levels (p?<?.05). The only independent predictor of adverse outcome was mRS at discharge (risk ratio (RR) 2.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54–5.00; p?<?.001). Higher adiponectin levels were an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14; p?<?.05). Patients who died had higher serum adiponectin levels than those who survived (p?<?.05). The only independent predictor of all-cause mortality was NIHSS at admission (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04–1.35; p?<?.01).

Conclusions: In patients with acute ischemic stroke, the G allele of the ?420C?>?G polymorphism of the resistin gene promoter is more frequent in those with a more favorable functional outcome at one year after discharge. Patients with higher serum resistin levels appear to have worse long-term functional outcome, while higher serum adiponectin levels are associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular events.     

Serum levels of complement C4 fragments correlate with disease activity in multiple sclerosis: Proteomic analysis

To detect serum biomarkers associated with disease activity in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). We studied serum low-molecular peptide profiling of MS patients and normal controls comprehensively by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Serum level of 1741 Da peptide was increased at the time of clinical relapse in patients than in normal controls and returned toward normal during remission. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the peptide was a fragment of complement C4 (NGFKSHALQLNNRQI). This fragment peptide could be a possible marker of disease activity. It may reflect complement activation in the pathogenesis of MS.     

ApaI,BsmI and TaqI VDR gene polymorphisms in association with multiple sclerosis in Slovaks

Objective: Vitamin D acts through vitamin D receptor (VDR) and has promising beneficial effects in the development and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of our study was to investigate the possible association of the VDR gene polymorphisms ApaI, BsmI and TaqI with the MS susceptibility and with the rate of disease disability progression in the Central European Slovak population.

Methods: The allele and genotype variants of ApaI, TaqI and BsmI VDR gene polymorphisms were analysed in 270 clinically diagnosed MS patients and 303 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction analysis. Patients were stratified by the rate of disease disability progression using MSSS scores.

Results: By logistic regression analysis, we revealed that genotype BB (AA) of BsmI VDR gene polymorphism is decreasing the risk of MS (BB (AA) vs Bb (AG) + bb (GG); OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39–0.90, p_log = 0.014). We did not identify any association of ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms neither with MS development nor with the disease progression.

Discussion: We showed for the first time that BsmI genotype BB (AA) is associated with the decreased susceptibility to MS in Slovak population. We propose the BsmI gene polymorphism to be one of the important genetic markers in evaluation of the risk of MS. However, our data suggest that VDR gene polymorphisms ApaI, BsmI and TaqI are not useful in the prediction of disease disability progression rate in MS in Slovaks.     

Higher Circulating Levels of Chemokine CCL20 in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Evaluation of the Influences of Chemokine Gene Polymorphism,Gender, Treatment and Disease Pattern

Chemokines play an important role in the autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of CCL20 and a polymorphism [-786C?>?T (rs6749704)] in the chemokine gene in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The blood samples were collected from 135 MS patients and 135 healthy subjects as a control group. The patients have relapsing-remitting (RRMS; n?=?65), primary progressive (PPMS; n?=?47), secondary progressive (SPMS; n?=?35) or progressive relapsing (PRMS; n?=?14) patterns. The serum levels of CCL20 were measured by ELISA. The DNA was analyzed for CCL20 polymorphism using PCR–RLFP. The mean serum levels of CCL20 in the MS group were significantly higher than in the healthy group (P?<?0.001). In patients with a SPMS pattern, the frequency of CT genotype at rs6749704 (24.3 %) was significantly lower as compared to patients with other patterns (42.8 %; P?<?0.04). No significant differences were observed between subjects with different genotypes in rs6749704 regarding the CCL20 levels. The mean serum levels of CCL20 in both newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed patients was significantly higher than in the healthy group (P?<?0.05 and 0.001, respectively). The mean serum levels of CCL20 in patients with RRMS, SPMS and PPMS patterns were significantly higher than in the healthy group (P?<?0.004, P?<?0.04, and 0.05, respectively). The levels of CCL20 in untreated patients and in patients who received interferon-β, methylprednisolone or the combination of interferon-β plus methylprednisolone were higher as compared to the control group (P?<?0.05, P?<?0.03, P?<?0.005, and P?<?0.05, respectively). These results showed higher levels of CCL20 in patients that represent that the chemokine may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MS. The rs6749704 polymorphism was an associated SPMS pattern. The levels of CCL20 were not influenced by gender, disease pattern and treatment.     

Val66Met polymorphism association with serum BDNF and inflammatory biomarkers in major depression

Objectives: Current evidence supports participation of neurotrophic and inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Some studies reported an association between the Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene with MDD and peripheral BDNF levels. However, no previous studies have examined the association of this polymorphism with inflammation. The present study assessed the association of the Val66Met polymorphism with serum levels of BDNF and inflammatory markers among depressed outpatients.

Methods: All participants (n?=?73) met DSM-IV criteria for a unipolar depressive episode. The serum levels of BDNF and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ) were compared between individuals presenting with at least one Met allele (Met-carriers) and those homozygous for the Val allele.

Results: In our sample (84.9% female, mean age 52.4?±?10.3 years), 24.7% (n?=?18) were Met-carriers. After Bonferroni correction, the Met allele was significantly associated with higher BDNF and lower TNF-α. These associations persisted after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions: The pattern of low BDNF and high inflammation in MDD may be influenced by the Val66Met polymorphism. The association of a polymorphism in the BDNF gene with inflammatory markers in addition to BDNF levels suggests an interaction between these systems.     

Cognitive function in early psychosis patients from a lower middle-income country

Objectives: To establish evidence of cognitive changes in early psychosis (EP) patients compared to healthy controls (HC) in Pakistan.

Methods: Fifty-one participants with EP were recruited from psychiatric units in Karachi and Rawalpindi, Pakistan and matched with 51 HC. Neurocognitive domains were assessed using standardised neuropsychological tests [the Stroop test, block design, Matrix Reasoning, picture completion, object assembly, oral fluency, memory for design, Coughlan learning task (verbal and visual)].

Results: EP patients had higher scores than controls for both Stroop tests (T1: EP?=?122 HC?=?65, p?<.001; T2: EP?=?190 HC?=?153, p?=?.007) and memory for design test (EP?=?10 HC?=?3, p?=?.005). EP group had lower values for block design (EP?=?4, HC?=?11, p?=?.01), category fluency (EP?=?18.9, HC?=?26.1, p?p?p?p?=?.003) and object assembly (EP?=?10.7, HC?=?15.5, p?=?.002). There were limited significant associations between cognitive performance and PANSS scores.

Conclusions: Reduced cognitive performance was found across multiple domains in Pakistani EP patients, which suggests that impaired cognitive performance is homogenous in patients with schizophrenia, regardless of ethnicity.     

The spectrum of SDHD mutations in Russian patients with head and neck paraganglioma

Abstract

Aim of the study: It was found that the mutations in the SDHD gene, encoding one of subunits of the succinate dehydrogenase complex, lead to the development of head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGL). We analyzed this gene in 91 patients with HNPGL from Russia.

Materials and methods: DNA was isolated from the whole blood. A screening for mutations was performed by Sanger sequencing.

Results: We revealed three missense mutations that have been described previously: p.Pro81Leu, p.His102Arg, p.Tyr114Cys. Moreover, we identified a novel potentially pathogenic variant (p.Trp105*).

Conclusions: We found that mutations in the SDHD gene were less common in Russian patients compared with the majority of European populations. It was shown that the p.His102Arg mutation is a major mutation in Russia. We confirmed the previous suggestion that a bilateral localization of the tumor and the carotid type represent a marker of the genetically determined form of HNPGL.     

The role of the Epstein-Barr virus receptor CD21 in multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterised by a chronic inflammation and demyelination of brain and spinal cord with a yet unknown aetiology. Based on multiple epidemiological and immunological studies, which suggest a role of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection in the pathogenesis of MS, we investigated CD21 (CR2, complement receptor type 2), which serves as the EBV receptor. Serum concentrations of soluble CD21 receptor (sCD21) were determined in MS patients and controls. In accordance with findings in other autoimmune disorders decreased sCD21 levels were found in MS patients. On ß-IFN treatment serum sCD21 concentrations further decreased. To explore the role of the CD21 gene for MS susceptibility and the altered CD21 levels in MS patients we performed exon sequencing of the CD21 gene. While we identified new single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and confirmed previously reported SNPs, none of the SNPs was associated with MS. Our findings demonstrate that sCD21 expression is altered in MS patients similar to other autoimmune diseases although no evidence was found for a specific role of the CD21 gene in MS.     

Self-esteem is associated with perceived stress in multiple sclerosis patients

Abstract

Previous studies have showed that perceived stress (PS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) constitutes an important factor for disease onset, relapse, symptomatology and psychological adjustment.

Objectives:

The aim of this pilot cross-sectional study was to examine the role of self-esteem in PS, after controlling for sociodemographical characteristics, depression and personality in MS patients.

Methods:

Sixty-six relapsing-remitting MS patients (66.67% females, mean age of 40?±?11.1 years old, mean duration of disease 133.6?±?128.8 months) were studied. Perceived stress, self-esteem, depression and personality type were assessed using self-administered questionnaires. Hierarchical multivariate regression modelling was used.

Results:

Higher education and depression and lower self-esteem were independently and significantly associated with increased PS, accounting for 40.5% of its variance. Univariate analyses revealed that low extroversion and openness and higher neurotism were associated with higher PS, although no significant after adjusting for other factors.

Discussion:

Although our findings need further confirmation, psychological interventions targetting self-esteem are strongly encouraged.     

A functional 5HT2A receptor polymorphism (His452Tyr) and memory performances in Alzheimer's disease

The functional His452Tyr polymorphism in the 5HT2A receptor has been described to be associated with verbal memory in healthy adults, with worse episodic memory performances in Tyr452 (T) carriers. The aim of our study was to investigate a possible effect of this polymorphism on memory performances in Alzheimer disease (AD). We enrolled 169 patients affected by probable AD. 5HT2A genotype was determined as previously described. According to their genotype, patients were divided in T carriers (?n = 111) and non-carriers (?n = 69). We evaluated the possible effect of 5HT2A polymorphism on verbal memory tasks. A one-way MANOVA analysis did not show a positive interaction between the two groups (?p > 0.05) at the baseline and at the follow-up. Nevertheless, the analyses of the single-task effect showed lower performances for non-T carriers only in Rey's recognition task. Recent data reported poorer memory performances in healthy subjects carrying the T variant, in age-dependent manner (no differences between T vs. nT carriers were observed for age >50 years). In our AD sample, we did not find significant differences in verbal memory scores in T vs. nT carriers while a significant difference was found only in attentional task. At variance with that in healthy subjects, no correlation has been found between memory profiles of AD patients and His452Tyr polymorphism.     

Eyes are mirror of the brain: comparison of multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls using OCT

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the thickness of choroid and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with and without optic neuritis using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, both eyes of 52?MS patients [n?=?104 eyes; 62 eyes of MS patients without optic neuritis (MS-NON) and 42 eyes of MS patients with optic neuritis (MS-ON)] and only one eye of 36 healthy control subjects (n?=?36 eyes) were evaluated. Complete ophthalmologic examination and EDI-OCT scanning were completed for all participants. Choroidal thickness measurements were executed at three different points.

Results: Choroidal thickness measurements were similar between MS patients and healthy control subjects. However, the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was increased significantly in MS-ON group (399.13?±?82.91?μm) compared to MS-NON group (342.71?±?82.46?μm; p?=?0.004). Mean RNFL thickness was significantly reduced in MS patients (90.42?±?13.31?μm) compared to healthy controls (101.18?±?10.75?μm; p?<?0.001). Moreover, temporal RNFL thickness was significantly thinner in MS-ON group (54?±?14.50?μm) than MS-NON group (62.15?±?15.88?μm; p?=?0.01). In MS patients, temporal RNFL thickness was correlated with both Expanded Disability Status Score (r?=?0.383; p?<?0.001) and longer disease duration (r=–0.202; p?=?0.04).

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that RNFL thickness can be used as an important parameter while following up with MS patients. However, more studies using EDI-OCT are required with larger MS patient groups and automated method.     

Serum CXCL12 levels are associated with stroke severity and lesion volumes in stroke patients

Abstract

Objective:

Previous studies had shown that CXC chemokine ligand-12 (CXCL12) might play a significant role in stroke. The aim of this study was to test the serum baseline CXCL12 levels in Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods:

All consecutive patients with first-ever AIS from January 2013 to June 2014 were recruited to participate in the study. CXCL12 and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale were measured at the time of admission. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of stroke according to serum CXCL12 levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the accuracy of serum CXCL12 in diagnosing stroke.

Results:

From 306 screened patients, a total of 239 patients with first-ever AIS were included in this study. The results indicated that the serum CXCL12 levels were significantly higher in AIS patients as compared to normal controls (P?<?0.0001). Serum CXCL12 were positively correlated with infarct volume(r?=?0.307, P?<?0.0001) and stroke severity(r?=?0.288, P?<?0.0001). After adjusting for all other possible covariates, CXCL12 was a stroke predictor with an adjusted OR of 2.047 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.781–2.352; P?<?0.0001]. Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cutoff value of serum CXCL12 levels as an indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of AIS was projected to be 3.4?ng/ml, which yielded a sensitivity of 87.9% and a specificity of 72.0%, with the area under the curve at 0.902 (95% CI, 0.875–0.929).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that serum CXCL12 levels increased significantly following AIS, and these changes in serum CXCL12 were positively correlated with infarct volume and stroke severity in Chinese sample.     

抑郁症患者脑源性神经营养因子Val66Met多态性与血清浓度的关系

目的探讨脑源性神经营养因子（BDNF）基因Val66Met多态性与抑郁症之同的关系以及Val66Met多态性是否影响血清BDNF浓度。方法对76例未经药物治疗的抑郁症患者和50例正常人,用限制性片段长度多态性方法分析Val66Met多态性,采用酶联吸附反应方法对血清BDNF浓度进行检测。结果（1）抑郁症患者血清BDNF浓度（24．7±12．7）ng／m1显著低于正常对照组（36．6±16．4）pg／m｜,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）;（2）抑郁症组和对照组之间的Val66Met多态性位点的等位基因频率和基因型分布差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;（3）在抑郁症组和对照组,Val／Met＋Met／Met基因型组与Val／Val基因型相比,血清BDNF浓度差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论抑郁症患者存在较低的血清BDNF水平,BDNF基因Val66Met多态性与抑郁症之间无相关性,Val66Met多态性对血清BDNF水平浓度无明显影响。     

Relation of serum levels of homocysteine,vitamin B12 and folate to cognitive functions in multiple sclerosis patients

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency have been linked to cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relation of serum homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12 and folate to cognitive functions in MS patients.

Subjects and Methods: Forty-five MS patients and twenty matched healthy controls were included. Subjects were submitted to cognitive assessment using a selected psychometric battery and measurement of serum levels of homocysteine, B12 and folic acid.

Results: MS patients showed significant worse performance in cognitive scales compared to controls (P ≤ 0.05). Serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate showed no significant difference between patients and controls (P > 0.05). Serum homocysteine was negatively correlated with total score of Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE), paced auditory serial addition test and controlled oral word association test scores. Serum vitamin B12 was positively correlated with ACE language, visuospatial and total scores and negatively correlated with trail making B score. Serum folate was significantly positively correlated with ACE language and total scores. Homocysteine was the only significant predictor for cognitive impairment in MS patients.

Conclusion: Serum homocysteine may play a role in cognitive dysfunction in MS patients.     

Vitamin D levels in Hispanics with multiple sclerosis

Vitamin D has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and several markers of disease state in whites. There are limited reports of vitamin D??s influence in MS in ethnic groups, such as in Hispanics. In this study, we compared vitamin D levels in Hispanics and whites with MS and tried to determine whether season or increasing disability influence hypovitaminosis D in Hispanics with MS. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and clinical characteristics were compared in a cross-sectional sample of Hispanics (n?=?80) and whites (n?=?80) with MS recruited from the University of Southern California. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in Hispanics than whites with MS (mean and standard deviation 25.1?±?9.4 and 37.3?±?19.8?ng/ml, respectively; p?<?0.001). Hispanics were significantly more likely than whites to be vitamin D insufficient (??30?ng/ml; 70 vs. 41?%, respectively; p?<?0.001) and deficient (??20?ng/ml; 40 vs. 14?%, respectively, p?<?0.001). In Hispanics, serum 25(OH)D levels were not influenced by season (p?=?0.8) or higher physical disability (EDSS ??6, p?=?0.7). We found that the relationship between vitamin D and MS differs by Hispanic ethnicity. Hypovitaminosis D was significantly more common among Hispanics than among whites with MS, and the majority of Hispanics were vitamin D insufficient. Interestingly, there was no association between vitamin D levels and season or increasing disability in the Hispanics. Our findings imply that factors influencing vitamin D levels and possibly vitamin D requirements may vary by ethnicity in patients with MS. These results should be confirmed in larger, prospective multi-ethnic cohort studies.