Scientists Discovered Nanoparticles that May Help Treat Multiple Sclerosis

Helen Holmes November 20, 2012

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In a groundbreaking study, scientists from the Northwestern University in Chicago were able to trick the immune system and prevent it from attacking healthy myelin sheath, and halt the progression of the disease in mice with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Their findings, which were published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, suggest a potential approach to treating autoimmune disorders in humans, particularly multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common type of autoimmune disorder that affects the brain and the spinal cord. An autoimmune disease arises from an overly active immune system. This means that the body reacts to essential substances and healthy tissues that are normally present in it. MS results from the damage in the myelin sheath, a protective covering that surrounds the nerve cells. Symptoms mimic those of the nervous system disorders and they include loss of vision, fatigue, speaking and listening problems, paralysis, and so on. There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time but there are available treatments that help manage the symptoms.

The problem with these treatments is that they work by suppressing the immune system. As a consequence, the patient becomes highly vulnerable to infections, viruses and cancer-causing substances.

But with the new technology, people can eliminate the abnormal responses of their body without sacrificing their immunity levels. The new approach involved the use of nanoparticles that work by tricking the immune system into calming down and behaving normally. These particles are made from a long-chain molecule called PLG, which consists of lactic acid and glycolic acid – natural breakdown products of metabolism in the human body. Currently, PLG is used as components of biodegradable wound sutures that are used in various medical treatments.

During an animal experiment, the researchers observed that the nanoparticles stopped the relapsing-remitting MS in the mice. According to Professor Stephen Mille, study lead author, they were able to prevent the relapse of the disease for up to 100 days, which is equivalent to several years in the life of a person with MS.

The researchers are also investigating the effectiveness of the nanoparticles in treating type 1 diabetes and asthma – two other common types of autoimmune disease.

 

 

Source of this article:

’Breakthrough’ May Aid Multiple Sclerosis Treatment (PLUS Celebrities With MS)