Study of the possible link of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus 6 in patients with multiple sclerosis

Eur J Neurol. 2018 Dec;25(12):1446-1453. doi: 10.1111/ene.13749. Epub 2018 Aug 3.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Although the causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) remain partially unknown, environmental and genetic factors are thought to play a role in its aetiopathogenesis. Hypovitaminosis D, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infections have been described as possible MS triggers. Our aim was to analyse the possible link between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and viruses in patients with MS.

Methods: We included 482 patients with MS in a 2-year study. Serum samples were collected to analyse 25(OH)D levels and, according to sample availability, antibody titres against EBV and HHV-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. DNA was extracted from blood in order to analyse EBV and HHV-6 viral load by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and to genotype MS-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs3135388, rs2248359 and rs12368653) when possible.

Results: The 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in the first semester of the year than in the second. Carriers of the risk allele rs2248359-C showed lower 25(OH)D levels than non-carriers. For EBV, viral load was significantly higher when 25(OH)D levels were low, demonstrating an inverse correlation between 25(OH)D levels and EBV load.

Conclusions: The 25(OH)D levels could be involved in the regulation of EBV replication/reactivation in patients with MS.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus; human herpesvirus 6; multiple sclerosis; vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcifediol
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae Infections / blood*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / blood*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / virology*
  • Viral Load
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D
  • Calcifediol