Mendelian randomization in multiple sclerosis: A causal role for vitamin D and obesity?. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harroud, Adil; Richards, J Brent
• Other Names: Segal Benjamin M guest-editor.; Cohen Jeffrey A guest-editor.; Antel Jack guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Multiple sclerosis. Volume 24:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 80
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- Mendelian randomization -- genetic epidemiology -- vitamin D -- obesity; Central nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Myelin sheath -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple sclerosis -- Periodicals; Central Nervous System Diseases -- Periodicals; Demyelinating Diseases -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; Multiple Sclerosis -- Periodicals; Système nerveux central -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Gaine de myéline -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Inflammation (Pathologie) -- Périodiques; Sclérose en plaques -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.834005
• DOI: 10.1177/1352458517737373
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-4585

Abstract

The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Epidemiologic studies have furthered our understanding of these risk factors but remain limited by residual confounding and potential for reverse causation, particularly in MS where time of disease onset is not known. Mendelian randomization (MR) uses genetic variants to study the causal effect of modifiable exposures on an outcome. This method avoids some of the limitations of classical epidemiology and can strengthen causal inference. Here, we introduce the basic concepts of MR and review its contributions to the field of MS. Indeed, several studies using MR have now provided support for a causal role for low vitamin D level and obesity in the development of MS.