Multiple Sclerosis in the Mount Etna Region: Possible Role of Volcanogenic Trace Elements

A higher prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was observed in populations living on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, where exposure to volcanogenic trace elements is greater due to prevailing wind patterns, compared to those on the western flank. The study found a prevalence rate of 137.6 per 100,000 in the eastern region versus 94.3 per 100,000 in the west (p-value 0.04), with a borderline significant increase in incidence risk over the study period (1980-2009). While the exact role of trace elements in MS pathogenesis remains unclear, these findings suggest they may act as a co-factor. The research compared MS rates in six communities, analyzing prevalence and incidence trends to assess potential associations with volcanic emissions.

Nicoletti, A., Bruno, E., Nania, M., Cicero, E., Messina, S., Chisari, C., Torrisi, J., Maimone, D., Marziolo, R., Lo Fermo, S., Patti, F., Giammanco, S., & Zappia, M. (2013). Multiple Sclerosis in the Mount Etna Region: Possible Role of Volcanogenic Trace Elements. PLoS ONE, 8(12), e74259. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0074259