Air pollution and multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to progressive functional impairments, and many intrinsic and acquired factors are believed to be associated with its development and relapse. In terms of environmental factors, air pollution has gained much attention during recent decades, as chronic exposure to ambient air pollution seems to increase the level of some pro-inflammatory markers in the human brain, which can lead to neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown. These events may also be associated with the risk of MS development and relapse. In this review, we aimed to summarize recent findings around the impact of air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and ultra-fine particles), gaseous pollutants (carbon monoxide [CO], nitrogen oxides [NOx], sulfur dioxide [SO2], and ozone [O-3]), and heavy metals, on MS development and relapse.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the impact of air pollutants, including particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, and heavy metals, on the development and relapse of multiple sclerosis. It highlights the potential connection between chronic exposure to ambient air pollution and the risk of neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and blood-brain barrier breakdown associated with MS.