Effect of serum 25(OH) D level, cigarette smoking and oral contraceptive use on clinical course of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a group of female patients

Abstract

Objective. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of certain environmental factors on clinical and laboratorial variables in a cohort of multiple sclerosis patients. Material and methods. Serum vitamin 25(OH) D, smoking habits and oral contraceptive use were evaluated in 36 relapsing-remitting MS female patients between ages 29-45 under Interferon beta-1a therapy. Clinical variables included annualized relapse rate and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The effect of sun exposure, dietary and smoking habits and oral contraceptive use on 25(OH) D levels was also examined. Results. Patients with higher 25(OH) D serum levels and consumers of oral contraceptives (OC) had better clinical outcomes, but not in a statistically signifi cant extent. The practice of artifi cial tanning, consumption of alternative sources of vitamin D (cod liver oil, omega-3 fatty acids) and the use of oral contraceptives were associated with signifi cantly higher vitamin D levels. Conclusions. Smoking seems to have less effect on disease progression and vitamin D levels than anticipated. Oral contraception use could be benefi c and maintaining a high plasma D level is also encouraged in MS patients.