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Too early to raise hope for multiple sclerosis treatment
09 January 2012
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Research in mice has shown that the ageing process of the cells which make the insulation around nerves can probably be reversed in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to findings published in the journal Cell Stem Cell.
MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The body’s immune system attacks and damages the myelin sheaths (the insulation) that protect nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage affects the messages sent from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, causing problems with muscle control, vision and balance.
Early on in the disease, the myelin sheaths are able to regenerate and restore in a process called remyelination. However, with ageing, remyelination is reduced in all of us. For people with MS, this means the affected nerve fibres become permanently damaged because the regeneration system can’t keep up.
The researchers in this study found that by transferring immune cells from young mice into older mice, they were able to reverse the ageing process so that the cells making the myelin sheath could regenerate again. The scientists hope that for people with MS, this discovery will help develop regenerative treatments that can be used throughout the duration of the disease and not just early on.
Dr Virginia Warren, Assistant Medical Director, Bupa, commented: “These results are interesting, but it would be premature to herald them as offering hope to people with MS. This research was carried out in mice; we don’t know if the same effects would be seen in human cells. There are many unanswered questions here and until we see results from human trials, we shouldn’t be raising our hopes.
“For now, unfortunately, there is no cure for MS. However, there are treatments available to ease symptoms and you can access good practical and emotional support through local services and specialists. Ask your doctor for more information.”
Produced by Rebecca Canvin, Bupa Health Information Team.
Key facts
It's thought that around 2.5 million people worldwide have MS. It usually starts in early adulthood and affects about three times as many women as men.
Some of the most common symptoms of MS include:
- eye problems, including pain and blurred or double vision
- fatigue
- muscle weakness, stiffness and spasms
- bladder and bowel problems, including incontinence
- loss of balance, co-ordination and dizziness
- pain from the nerve damage or related to a loss of mobility
- difficulty speaking and swallowing
The exact reasons why you may develop MS aren't fully understood at present. Several factors are thought to be involved including genetics, environmental factors and where you live in the world.
Other research has implied that some types of MS can probably be prevented by adequate vitamin D levels in pregnancy and early life.
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Read the study
Ruckh JM, Zhao J-W, Shadrach JL, et al. Rejuventation of regeneration in the aging central nervous system. Cell Stem Cell 2012; 10:96–103. doi:10.1016/j.stem.2011.11.019
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