Correlations between Epstein-Barr virus antibody levels and risk factors for multiple sclerosis in healthy individuals |
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Authors: | Nielsen T R Pedersen M Rostgaard K Frisch M Hjalgrim H |
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Institution: | Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark. trn@ssi.dk |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND: Female gender, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR2, tobacco smoking and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are established risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). Their possible interaction however, has been sparsely studied. OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible associations between EBV antibody levels and a range of other recognized MS risk factors. DESIGN, SETTING AND STUDY POPULATION: Cross-sectional study undertaken in Denmark based on 517 healthy individuals selected from the Danish population. METHODS: We measured change in mean log (anti-Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen (VCA) immune globulin G) using linear regression. RESULTS: Anti-Epstein-Barr VCA immune globulin G levels were positively correlated with female gender and HLA DR2. Furthermore, current smoking and cumulative tobacco consumption were positively associated with EBV antibody levels. CONCLUSION: The association between Epstein-Barr VCA antibody levels and non-viral MS risk factors support the view that EBV is critically involved in the etiology of MS. These non-viral MS risk factors may be linked with MS risk through EBV-specific immune responses. |
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