2023-08-23 14:03:35
Title: Promising Discovery: Endogenous Sugar Polysialic Acid Shows Potential for Restoring Myelin in Multiple Sclerosis
Date: [Current Date]
In recent years, researchers from around the globe have been devoting their efforts to investigating remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS). While no drug has been approved thus far to restore the damaged myelin sheaths surrounding nerve cells, a groundbreaking breakthrough has emerged. A research team from Hanover has discovered a novel approach using the endogenous sugar polysialic acid.
Microglial cells, the key cells in the brain, are the primary target for this innovative approach. These cells play various crucial roles, including the elimination of damaged cells and the detection of injuries or infections. When detecting such issues, microglia secrete their own cytokines and send signals, leading to the influx of immune cells like T and B cells into the brain.
What sets microglia apart is their receptor for polysialic acid, known as Siglec-E. Remarkably, the researchers from Hanover found that the microglia’s switch from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state can also be triggered by external application of this endogenous sugar. As a result, the damaged myelin cavities can be almost completely regenerated with the help of polysialic acid.
In experiments conducted with tissue sections in Petri dishes, the results have been nothing short of astonishing. The researchers themselves describe them as “striking.” Dr. Lara-Jasmin Schröder from Hannover Medical School (MHH) explains that activating the brain’s self-healing powers could be a promising support in MS therapy, which currently focuses solely on the immune system outside the brain.
The MHH research team remains optimistic that this mechanism will also prove effective in living organisms. Since the microglial receptor is exclusively found in the brain’s microglial cells, the intervention with polysialic acid can specifically target the affected area. With overall reduced inflammation in the brain, the potential use of polysialic acid in other neurodegenerative diseases becomes conceivable, as stated by Dr. Hauke Thiesler.
Moving forward, the research team aims to validate their findings in animal models. They plan to collaborate intensively with other research groups and MS experts. Only following these steps can they proceed to conduct initial studies with patients, followed by an assessment of the effect-side effect profile. Additionally, it remains unclear whether polysialic acid can be used as an immune modulator, similar to cortisone, either as a shock therapy or continuously as an add-on.
Some attentive readers may recall a previous report on amsel.de concerning a simple sugar that possibly aids in remyelinating nerve cells. It is important to note that these are two distinct approaches. Nonetheless, the online editors of AMSEL will closely monitor further developments and report accordingly if necessary.
With the potential of the endogenous sugar polysialic acid to restore myelin in multiple sclerosis, there is hope for revolutionary advancements in MS therapy. Further research and collaborations are expected to shed more light on the effectiveness and safety of this promising new approach.]
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