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| HLA molecule loaded with peptide (short protein). The immune system uses the HLA to activate immune cells so as to fight off foreign organisms. In autoimmune diseases, such as MS, self-proteins activate the immune system to attack self. |
Background: Both insufficient exposure to sunlight and vitamin D deficiency have been associated with an increased risk of MS. An interaction between human leukocyte antigen HLA-DRB1*15 (a gene that is responsible for immune activation) and vitamin D in MS was recently proposed. We investigated the association between previous exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), vitamin D status at inclusion in the study, and MS risk including the interaction of these factors with HLA-DRB1*15.
Methods: A population-based case-control study involving 1013 incident cases of MS and 1194 controls was performed in Sweden during 2005-2010. Subjects were classified according to their UVR exposure habits, vitamin D status, and HLA genotypes. The associations between different sun exposure habits/vitamin D levels and MS were calculated as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regression. Potential interaction was evaluated by calculating the attributable proportion due to interaction.
Results: Subjects with low UVR exposure had a significantly increased risk of MS compared with those who reported the highest exposure (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.3). Similarly, subjects who had 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels less than 50 nM/l had an increased risk for MS (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.7). The association between UVR exposure and MS risk persisted after adjustment for vitamin D status. There was no interaction with HLA-DRB1*15 carriage.
Conclusions: UVR and vitamin D seem to affect MS risk in adults independently of HLA-DRB1*15 status. UVR exposure may also exert a protective effect against developing MS via other pathways than those involving vitamin D.
“The evidence that UVR exposure may also exert a protective effect against developing MS via other pathways than those involving vitamin D is interesting, but speculative. UV may affect the function of immune cells as they pass through the skin. Despite this theoretical advantage of UVB (sunlight) over vD supplements, the case is not strong enough to stop supplementation. From a practical point of view it is difficult to find sunlight in winter, unless you purchase a UVB lamp.”
“Please note that most sunbeds provide UVA light and not UVB light; so you can’t get the necessary light from popping into your local tanning store.”
So what do you think of this?http://www.phbhealthcare.com/uvb/
Re: "So what do you think of this?http://www.phbhealthcare.com/uvb/ "Too expensive; it is cheaper to take vD supplements.
Many thanks.If money is not of concern – any benefits in "supplementing" VitD supplements with daily UVB exposure?
Concern is more – what if Vit D supplements are not enough and we later find that we needed UVB too
I guess the Neuro's wouldn't know lots about irradiation. (mind you that G is the king of neuro – but this er qre cornering him with technical questions)This is what I found so far of relevance:http://www.solarcsystems.com/vitamin-d-phototherapy-faq.htmlp.s. would love to see a thread on this specific topic on here if possible?
There are lights sold specifically for reptiles which produce both UVB and UVA which are cheaper. I own one but it is for my tortoise, I take supplements.
From the anonymous praising G 2 posts above:Just found someone who has done some work on this: http://resources.metapress.com/pdf-preview.axd?code=g388q2856711q757&size=largestI mailed G. Comi and await his reply.Will post here.
Dear Giancarlo,I read with great interest your analysis/rebuttal of the methodology of this work:http://resources.metapress.com/pdf-preview.axd?code=g388q2856711q757&size=largestI couldn't agree more, but a question comes to mind.I have MS and am supplementing my DMT with a intake of Vitamin D3.I wouldn't mind exposing myself to a Narrowband UVB light if this could have some "potential" benefit in MS.I appreciate that the risk is quasi non existent, but am wondering if it is worthwhile the investment?Your advice is much appreciated.Anonymous,From the sunny London (UK)
I would also like to go with the supplements. I think it would be more safe option.
I am also agree with your opinion that supplements will always be the best option and i would also like to go with supplements.