title: [Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis].
abstract: The geographic epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that low vitamin D levels are a modifiable risk factor. Previous studies have shown that patients with MS have significantly lower vitamin D levels compared with healthy controls. Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator important for immune function and development, and it offers potential benefits by reducing inflammation. Vitamin D has beneficial effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS. In summation, these studies suggest that vitamin D may have therapeutic potential for MS. This has not been established although preliminary clinical trials for vitamin D in MS look promising. Genetic studies suggest that genes associated with vitamin D are critical susceptible genes for MS. In this review, we discuss current research investigating the association between vitamin D and MS and the issues that need to be resolved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Research, Hokkaido Medical Center.
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Niino
authors.forename: Yusei
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Miyazaki
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000378:metabolism*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D014807:Vitamin D