AUGUST 2018 MS NEWS- On Neurotransmitters, Mitochondrial Health, Natural Supplements & More
dr.vanta
Neurotransmitters are important. Three new studies evaluate the impact of glutamate, GABA and acetylcholine.
Deep grey matter atrophy(degeneration) is a key component of MS, is present early and is associated with disability. This new study suggests that increased glutamate and deep grey matter atrophy correlates/ can predict the severity of MS. I wrote here how to improve(decrease) glutamate levels naturally.
A second study looks at alteration of gaba-glutamate pathway in MS. Check out my blogs on GABA and glutamate.
This fourth study does not mention neurotransmitters, but rather personality traits linked with MS. The researchers also looked at the parents of the participants of the study and found similarities.Although neurotransmitters were not mentioned in this article, I see these traits associated with neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine, as well as serotonin.
Correcting neurotransmitter imbalances (glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, orexins and histamine) in MS is very important, in my opinion. I wrote in details about all of them, and how can be corrected naturally. Also, check out Dr.Brunes protocol.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in MS
Mitochondrial dysfunction in MS was found in this new study. Researchers suggest the benefits of carnicetin and CoQ10 for MS management. Check out Dr. Terry Wahls’s protocol for MS. Supporting healthy mitochondria is a key component of her treatment plan.
Another new study demonstrates the key role of Nrf2 in maintaining cellular functions and survival in cases of mitochondrial dysfunction.
Impaired sugar metabolism and MS
This study found a correlation between insulin resistance and disability in MS. SPMS had the highest prevalence of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was found in roughly half of the participants with MS (33 out of 64). I did write about this topic here why MS is a type III diabetes.
Mindset Is Important
Resilience correlates with lower risk of depression/anxiety symptoms and better quality of life in this new study. The conclusion of the study : “These results suggest that resilience may serve to prevent or reduce depression/anxiety symptoms and maintain the quality of life regardless of the physical disability level”.
Note: One of those results that seem obvious, but who talks about or recommends building resilience? My favorite way to build resilience: take control of your health. Move away from the passive role as a “patient” and get proactive. Read success stories to see what others do to reverse MS. Try yoga. This new study shows that yoga improves self-efficacy (self-confidence). Conducted by Iranian psychologists/researchers, this study found that yoga practice is associated with increased self-efficacy (confidence) in individuals with MS. More confidence translates into more resilience.
Why did I mention these four studies first? Because I found them all to be important in reversing MS. More important factors (nutrients, herbs and diet) below.
Herbs, Nutrients, Diet, CAM Therapies
This new randomized controlled study found that a special herbal combination treatment can improve sleep disorders and fatigue symptoms in MS patients. Prepared according to the Persian medicine, the formula includes Crocus sativus (saffron), Hypericum perforatum (St John’s-wort), Cinnamon verum (cinnamon), and Vitis vinifera (grape. ..seed or leaf?).
Targeting cannabinoid system to treat MS.. This new study investigates the cannabinoid system and its positive impact on gut microbiome and neuroimmune interactions- and potential applications for treating MS. Note: more and more studies are supporting the benefits of medical cannabis and other supplements and therapies that activate cannabinoid system to treat MS.
Moringa may help manage MS, according to a study conducted in animal models of MS.
Osteopathy can help treat MS. This new study found significant improvements in fatigue depression and quality of life in the participants (with MS) of this study.
Vitamins K, D, E, A and UV radiation.
Vitamin K and D are important during the process of remyelination. This study looked at vitamins K and D separately and found that each of them increase the production brain sulfatides. (The most abundant myelin fats are galactosylceramides and their sulfated form, sulfatides).
In another new study, researchers evaluated the benefits of vitamin D supplementation. They found “consistent evidence” that supplementing with vitamin D is beneficial for certain outcomes in RRMS and CIS (clinically isolated syndrome).
Another new study looked at the benefits of exposure to UV radiation in cases of autoimmunity. UV radiation has anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects, and involves more than just boosting vitamin D levels.Technical: the positive effects of UV radiation likely occur through the actions of UVR-induced regulatory cells and mediators, including 1,25-OH D, IL 10, and NO.
In this study, vitamin E supplementation (400 IU daily for 3 months) can significantly reduce lipid peroxidation (a marker of cellular damage which plays an important role in the development of MS).
A review of the benefits of retinoid acid (vitamin A) for treating MS and other autoimmune conditions. Vitamin A supplementation was found to be associated with reduced fatigue and depression in MS. This study also cover many other effects of vitamin A.
The importance of diet to improve fatigue
This new systematic review of scientific literature concluded that “dietary intake holds the potential to lower MS-related fatigue, but solid conclusions are not possible based on the existing evidence. Sparse evidence points towards an effect of adequate magnesium and folate intake and a trend for decreased fatigue.”
Note: as you can see above, the importance of diet is still debated in the scientific community. In this case in relation to MS- associated fatigue. The findings of this systematic review of multiple studies have very little value to me. Researchers are right, they can’t draw a solid conclusion and I can tell you why: the best way to figure out the importance of diet (and specific nutrients obtained from diet) is not to look into these studies, but simply read a very basic book of physiology (and physiopathology), biochem or nutrition. Anyone reading these books will understand that diet is important in both health and disease, and will also understand how nutrients help maintain healthy energy levels (their anti-fatigue effects). Research studies on diet can be helpful sometimes, but this is not the case.
The role of other brain cells, not just neurons in MS. The importance of other brain cells like astrocytes (not just neurons) in MS. Do astrocytes play a crucial role in the development and evolution of MS lesions ? Pros and cons in this study.I see more pros than cons.
Pregnancy and MS. This study evaluated the risk of adverse events in relation to pregnancy in mothers with MS. The conclusion: “Overall, women with MS had an increased risk of infections and preterm delivery, while the risks for other adverse pregnancy outcomes were not elevated”.
High prevalence of sexual dysfunction- linked with MS. This study highlights the increased risk of sexual dysfunction in women with MS vs control group (around 70% vs 27%). Sexual desire, arousal and orgasm were most altered. Note: This is a big problem that has to be addressed- not with hormone replacement or Viagra, but with natural therapies.
The genetics of MS. A nice review of gene variations that correlate with MS in this study.
Drinking alcohol during adolescence lowers the risk of MS, in both females and males.This is the conclusion of a Danish study. Note: you should interpret the results of this study cautiously, other studies found quite the opposite.
MS Drugs
New Drugs: This study is about new drugs- actually prodrugs of methyl hydrogen fumarate for treating MS and psoriasis. They suppose to not cause significant gastrointestinal irritation. I like to see long term studies on safety and efficacy before I can make a decision about a drug.
Old Drugs-Adverse Events
MS drugs linked with increased risk of cancer in this study. Several studies show increased risk of cancer with the use of mitoxantrone, azathioprine and cyclophosphamide. There is also evidence of risk of cancer with other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)
MS drugs glatiramer acetate or fingolimode alter the gut flora (microbiome), explains this study.Technical: they decreased in numbers of Escherichia coli with normal enzymatic activity, which was replaced by atypical forms of E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and fungi of the genus Candida, and, during treatment with glatiramer acetate, by atypical forms of E. coli, Proteus spp., Parvimonas micra. Note: I don’t like these changes. You can read here about gut flora changes in MS and how important is to improve it.
Corticosteroid use correlates with lower vitamin D levels, based on this study (48 participants, 29 with MS)
Corticosteroids do exacerbate inflammatory responses, whether used acutely or long term, suggests this study.
Anti TNF-alpha drug linked with the development of MS -like condition called NOSD (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder)- a case report
Alemtuzumab and fingolimod
Myastenia gravis developed in a person with MS, and linked with alemtuzumab use (case study)
Alemtuzumab frequently causes autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Graves disease (hyperthyroidism), according to this new study, which evaluated 248 participants on this drug (41% of them were diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction).
Alemtuzumab also linked with inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis) in this study;both lung inflammation and infections should be considered as potential adverse reactions when using this drug.
A severe relapse related to discontinuation of fingolimod and introduction of alemtuzumab described in this study. Note: stopping fingolimod had been known to be linked with severe relapses in the past.
