What role does diet and lifestyle play in the progression of MS? A study of modifiable lifestyle factors and their significance for the course of MS

Research problem and specific questionsMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects young adults, especially women. MS often quickly results in disabilities and limited work capacity. Known risk factors for MS include genetic predispositions and smoking.

However, much less is known about how these and other factors affect the disease progression.The overall aim of the project is to investigate how diet and modifiable lifestyle factors affect the disease progression of MS and to deepen our understanding of the role of sex in the importance of lifestyle factors.

This could lead to new recommendations for MS patients on how they can influence their disease.

We have preliminary data showing that elevated levels of bile acids in the blood of MS patients are associated with a faster disease course. These associations seem stronger in men. Furthermore, we can see that the associations are linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, and diet.

Additionally, we will explore how diet and modifiable lifestyle factors interact with genetic risk factors.Data and MethodWe have collected data from a large number of biomarkers (approx. 12,000) that reflect dietary and tobacco habits in 950 individuals diagnosed with MS and 950 control subjects from the population-based case-control study EIMS.

In addition, all study participants also answered comprehensive questionnaires about lifestyle habits, and data on genetic risk factors were collected. The Swedish MS Registry will be used to investigate how lifestyle factors affect disease progression.

Furthermore, we will examine the interaction between lifestyle and genetic risk factors.Societal relevance and utilisationA greater understanding of how diet and lifestyle factors affect the course of MS can give people living with MS greater control over their disease.

Slowing disease progression leads to positive effects for the individual and society, such as lower levels of disability, higher workability, and reduced need for care.Plan for project realisationThe data to be analyzed in the project has already been collected, including extensive biomarker data from the EIMS cohort, accompanied by full questionnaire and genetic data, and for the persons with MS, detailed clinical data from the Swedish MS Registry, with up to 18-years follow-up time.

Biomarkers associated with diet and lifestyle, their significance for disease progression and their interactions with genetic risk factors will be investigated.