General

MS risk higher in spring babies

Genetics and ‘seasonal effect’ linked to multiple sclerosis

Previous research has shown that babies born in the spring have a higher chance of developing multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease most often diagnosed in young people, and which is especially common in Canada. It has also been documented that MS patients in Europe often carry the HLA-DRB1*15 gene allele. Now, a study of MS patients in Canada, Sweden and Norway has found a link between this gene allele and the seasonal effect. It identified that the HLA-DRB1*15 allele is more common among MS patients born in the spring. The researchers say they aren’t sure how exactly genes interact with the environment, but they suspect that a lack of vitamin D in pregnant mothers may increase the chance of a baby born in the spring developing MS. They hope that this finding will lead to preventative and therapeutic treatments to mitigate a baby’s risk of MS, and to further understanding the relationship between genetics and the environment.

Eureka Alert

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.