Researchers
are one step closer to demonstrating the potential of a brain molecule
called fractalkine to halt and even reverse the effects of multiple
sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Multiple
sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the myelin, or fatty lining
of nerve cells, is eroded, leading to nerve damage and slower
signalling between the brain and the body. MS symptoms range from
blurred vision to complete paralysis, and while there are treatments,
the causes are not fully understood and nothing exists to reverse the
disease process.
In new research published in Stem Cell Reports, researchers injected fractalkine into mice with chemically induced MS.
They
found the treatment increased the number of new oligodendrocytes —
vital brain and spinal cord cells that produce myelin in both embryonic
and adult brains — which are damaged during the MS autoimmune attack.
“If
we can replace those lost or damaged oligodendrocytes, then they could
make new myelin and it is believed that would halt the disease
progression, or maybe even reverse some of the symptoms,” the senior
author says. “That's the Holy Grail in the research community and
something that we're very passionate about.”
The
authors earlier research tested the safety and efficacy of fractalkine
in normal mice and found similar beneficial effects. Other researchers
have demonstrated that fractalkine may provide protection for nerves in
mouse models before the disease is induced, but this is the first time
it has been tested on animals that already have the disease.
The
team observed new oligodendrocytes, as well as reactivated progenitor
cells that can regenerate oligodendrocytes, in the brains of the treated
animals. Remyelination occurred in both the white and grey matter.
The
researchers also observed a reduction in inflammation, part of the
damage caused by the immune system. Next steps for the treatment include
testing it in other diseased mouse models, including those with
neurodegenerative diseases other than MS.
https://www.cell.com/stem-cell-reports/fulltext/S2213-6711(22)00590-2
http://sciencemission.com/site/index.php?page=news&type=view&id=publications%2Ffractalkine-enhances&filter=22