ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that causes inflammation of the central nervous system, resulting in myelin damage and axon degeneration. Although the cause of MS remains unknown, various factors such as sex, latitude, sun exposure, serum vitamin D levels, Epstein Barr Virus infection, diet, microbiota and ethnicity are being studied for their potential roles in the development of the disease. While chronobiological factors such as circadian rhythm and seasonality have been explored for their potential influence on the onset, exacerbation, and/or relapses of MS, the potential influence of the lunar cycle on MS has yet to be studied. Therefore, the authors of this letter call for future studies to investigate the possible effects of the lunar cycle on MS activity and course, given evidence suggesting that the lunar cycle may affect sleep, fatigue, melatonin secretion, and mood state in humans. A deeper understanding of the chronobiology of MS could have practical implications for the development of chronotherapeutic strategies and the prevention or mitigation of MS relapses, potentially improving the quality of life of MS patients.

摘要

多发性硬化症 (MS) 是一种使人衰弱的疾病，会引起中枢神经系统炎症，导致髓磷脂损伤和轴突变性。尽管多发性硬化症的病因尚不清楚，但人们正在研究性别、纬度、阳光照射、血清维生素 D 水平、EB 病毒感染、饮食、微生物群和种族等各种因素在疾病发展中的潜在作用。虽然昼夜节律和季节性等时间生物学因素对 MS 发病、恶化和/或复发的潜在影响已被探索，但月球周期对 MS 的潜在影响仍有待研究。因此，鉴于有证据表明月球周期可能影响人类的睡眠、疲劳、褪黑激素分泌和情绪状态，这封信的作者呼吁未来的研究调查月球周期对多发性硬化症活动和病程的可能影响。对多发性硬化症时间生物学的更深入了解可能对制定时间治疗策略以及预防或减轻多发性硬化症复发具有实际意义，从而有可能改善多发性硬化症患者的生活质量。