ビタミンDと多発性硬化症

Vitamin D in Multiple Sclerosis

多発性硬化症（MS）の重要な環境要因の1つとしてビタミンD濃度低下が考えられている。実際，これまでの多くの報告では，MS患者において血中ビタミンD濃度が低下しているとされる。ビタミンDは骨代謝に重要なだけでなく，さまざまな免疫細胞への影響が知られるようになり，MSに対する治療効果も期待されている。本稿では，ビタミンDとMSに関するこれまでの報告を概説し，今後の展望を議論したい。

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.