A Skalli1, E H Ait Ben Haddou2, R El Jaoudi3, R Razine4, G A Mpandzou5, H Tibar2, E El Fahime6, N Bouslam5, A Alami7, A Benomar2, K Hajjout7, M Yahyaoui2, A Bouhouche8. 1. Research Team in Neurology and Neurogenetics, Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Medical School and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V in Rabat, Impasse Souissi, 10100 Rabat, Morocco. 2. Research Team in Neurology and Neurogenetics, Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Medical School and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V in Rabat, Impasse Souissi, 10100 Rabat, Morocco; Rabat-Instituts, Department of Neurology and Neurogenetics, Specialties Hospital, ONO, University Hospital of Rabat-Salé, BP 6444, Rabat, Morocco. 3. Laboratory of pharmacology and toxicology, Medical School and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Impasse Souissi, 10100 Rabat, Morocco. 4. Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Impasse Souissi, 10100 Rabat, Morocco. 5. Rabat-Instituts, Department of Neurology and Neurogenetics, Specialties Hospital, ONO, University Hospital of Rabat-Salé, BP 6444, Rabat, Morocco. 6. Assistance Units for Scientific and Technical Research, Allal Fassi/FAR corner, BP 8027, Hay Riad, 10000 Rabat, Morocco. 7. National Blood Transfusion Center, 472, Mfadel Cherkaoui street, Madinat Al Irfane, Rabat, Morocco. 8. Research Team in Neurology and Neurogenetics, Genomic Center of Human Pathologies, Medical School and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V in Rabat, Impasse Souissi, 10100 Rabat, Morocco; Rabat-Instituts, Department of Neurology and Neurogenetics, Specialties Hospital, ONO, University Hospital of Rabat-Salé, BP 6444, Rabat, Morocco. Electronic address: a.bouhouche@um5s.net.ma.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggests that hypovitaminosis D contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether vitamin D levels are associated with having MS and some of its characteristics in the Moroccan population. METHODS: Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the 25(OH)D3 metabolite was measured to quantify vitamin D serum levels (DSLs) in 113 patients with MS and 146 healthy controls matched for gender and age. DSLs were then compared between patients and controls, with correlations sought between DSLs and gender, age at onset, disease duration, MS type, degree of disability (EDSS score) and disease severity (MSSS) in patients. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D (DSL<30ng/mL) was observed in 97.3% of MS patients and in 98.6% of controls. Although the mean DSL was slightly lower in patients (11.69±6.97ng/mL) than in controls (12.98±6.58ng/mL), there was no significant association between DSL and MS status (P=0.131). Similarly, among patients, no apparent association was found between DSL and MS type (P=0.214), EDSS score (P=0.076) or MSSS (P=0.772). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that DSL is not associated with having MS nor with MS type, degree of disability or disease severity in the Moroccan population. On the other hand, DSL was lower in women and decreased with age.
BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggests that hypovitaminosis D contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether vitamin D levels are associated with having MS and some of its characteristics in the Moroccan population. METHODS: Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the 25(OH)D3 metabolite was measured to quantify vitamin D serum levels (DSLs) in 113 patients with MS and 146 healthy controls matched for gender and age. DSLs were then compared between patients and controls, with correlations sought between DSLs and gender, age at onset, disease duration, MS type, degree of disability (EDSS score) and disease severity (MSSS) in patients. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D (DSL<30ng/mL) was observed in 97.3% of MS patients and in 98.6% of controls. Although the mean DSL was slightly lower in patients (11.69±6.97ng/mL) than in controls (12.98±6.58ng/mL), there was no significant association between DSL and MS status (P=0.131). Similarly, among patients, no apparent association was found between DSL and MS type (P=0.214), EDSS score (P=0.076) or MSSS (P=0.772). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that DSL is not associated with having MS nor with MS type, degree of disability or disease severity in the Moroccan population. On the other hand, DSL was lower in women and decreased with age.