November 2017 NEWS -Including MS Remyelination Drug MD1003
Biotin-as a MS remyelination drug ? Yes, biotin is the star in the news this month. Not in regular small doses, but high dose biotin. High doses of biotin (a B vitamin) can improve the myelination process and symptoms clinical in patients with multiple sclerosis, according to this new study [1] High doses biotin (MD1003 or Cerenday) had been researched in the past (including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study) and showed significant improvement in signs and symptoms of PPMS and SMS (i.e. improvements in walking, visual acuity and disability scale) Mechanism of actions: high dose biotin works by increasing the energy production in demyelinated axons and/or improving the synthesis of myelin in oligodendrocytes (the myelin producing cells). Be aware that high doses biotin can influence the thyroid tests. In animal studies ketogenic diet may cause biotin deficiency in biotin deficient animals. Therefore, biotin supplementation may be necessary if you follow a keto diet[2]. The brain gut connection Another study supporting the important role of gut microbiome in brain health. Unhealthy gut microbiota alters the blood brain barrier (BBB), affecting the brain health and influencing the progression of MS [3]. Potential new therapy targeting fibrinogen (a protein involved in blood clotting) . Based on this research, when the blood barrier is impaired (as it happens in MS), the fibrinogen from blood leaks into the brain and blocks myelination [4]....
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