Multiple sclerosis can be cured
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Scientists from the Oregon University of Health and Science have found that cure multiple sclerosis and other brain diseases is possible.
Damage to the myelin sheath (white matter), the main component of the nerve fiber shell through which the nerve impulse passes, leads to a slowing or complete stopping of the electrical impulse, disrupting the ability of the nerve cells to interact with each other. This process is called demyelination and causes problems with eyesight, motor apparatus, and also provokes cognitive impairment.
Back in 2005, scientists published the results of the study, which led to the conclusion that hyaluronic acid plays an important role in the process of demyelination. Specialists have discovered a large amount of hyaluronic acid in places of damage to the myelin sheath both in humans and animals. Experts have suggested that hyaluronic acid interferes with the recovery of cells that form myelin and thus interfere with remyelination.
Now Dr. Larry Sherman and his colleagues assume that they were wrong and that it's not hyaluronic acid that is to blame, but the compounds to which it breaks down when exposed to the enzyme hyaluronidase, which interferes with remyelination.
They found a very high level of enzyme in the brain in patients with multiple sclerosis and in the nervous system of mice with a similar disease.
When the authors of the study blocked the activity of the enzyme in diseased mice, the formation of myelin cells was restored.
But, perhaps, the most significant result of the study was that the drug, which specialists used to restore the myelin sheath, also led to an improvement in the function of nerve cells.
"This means that we have identified a new target for drugs that can help in treating brain damage, as well as any disease in which demyelination occurs," Dr. Sherman said in a statement.
The results obtained by the scientists are likely to give impetus to the development of new drugs that will be used to treat multiple sclerosis and a number of other disorders accompanied by demyelination.
[