May

MS could be reversed by activating stem cells in brain, new study suggests

Stem cells have been stimulated to regenerate the myelin sheath that is damaged in multiple sclerosis (MS)

Scientists have shown that the damage caused to nerve cells in multiple sclerosis could be reversed by activating stem cells in the body. The work on animal models of the disease improves our understanding of the devastating condition and may lead to treatments that regenerate the nervous system.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects around 100,000 people in the UK and many millions worldwide. Often affecting young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, symptoms can include fatigue, blurred vision, cognitive problems and muscle spasms.

In people with MS the immune system attacks the myelin sheath around nerve fibers, a protective layer of cells that also speeds the transmission of electrical signals. When the myelin is degraded, the nerve fibers can get damaged, and the signals they carry can be disrupted.

Current treatments involve suppressing the immune system to stop it damaging the myelin and the myelin-forming cells. But they don't regenerate damaged myelin.

"Therapies that repair damage are the missing link in treating multiple sclerosis," said Prof Robin Franklin, a neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge, who led the latest work. "In this study we have identified a means by which the brain's own stem cells can be encouraged to undertake this repair, opening up the possibility of a new regenerative medicine for this devastating disease."

There are stem cells throughout the brain and spinal cord that could regenerate myelin but, in many MS patients, these cells do not seem to be activated.

In his research, published today in Nature Neuroscience, Franklin found a way to activate the "RXR pathway", a crucial cell development route that turns brain and spinal cord stem cells into myelin-making cells, in rats and mice. If the same pathway could be switched on by drugs in humans, the cells could regenerate the damaged myelin sheaths around the nerve fibres of MS patients.

Prof Charles ffrench-Constant, a medical neurologist at the University of Edinburgh and co-author of the research paper, said: "The aim of our research is to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis with the eventual aim of stopping and reversing it. This discovery is very exciting as it could potentially pave the way to find drugs that could help repair damage caused to the important layers that protect nerve cells in the brain."

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, said: "For people with MS this is one of the most exciting developments in recent years. It's hard to put into words how revolutionary this discovery could be and how critical it is to continue research into MS. We're delighted to have funded the first stage of this work and we're now looking into funding it further."

Franklin said there could be preliminary trials of potential drugs within five years and treatments within 15 years. "The caveat is that the road from where we are to a treatment is unpredictable, but at least we now have a road to go down."

The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis mission is to fund cutting-edge, innovative research programs in the quest to find a cure for multiple sclerosis.  They are thrilled to support the best and the brightest young minds in scientific research.  In the link below are the 2010-2011 Young Investigator Awardees.  Complete bio sketches on each recipient can be found at www.EraseMS.org.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the nervous system. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.

WNYWomen.com is in strong support of women in this region making a difference in Multiple Sclerosis.

Advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. The unpredictable physical and emotional effects can be lifelong.

Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis

The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of MS. Funding research is the core focus of the Foundation and all funds raised support the Center Without Walls program, a selected network of the nation's top MS research centers. This nationwide collaboration of physicians and scientists are on the cutting-edge of innovative research programs, working as a team on therapeutic approaches to eradicate MS. In addition to combating MS through research in a clinical environment, they hope to increase awareness by educating the public about this mystifying disease.

Visit their web site at http://www.erasems.org or call 1-800-2ERASE-1