Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system. The disease causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath, which covers and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.

This damage results in various symptoms like weakness, numbness in limbs, and vision problems.

What are the causes of Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is not a contagious disease; neither is it hereditary. Experts suggest that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The following are some of the risk factors associated with MS:.

Gender – Women are more likely to develop MS than men
Age – The disease is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can develop at any age
Smoking – Smoking increases the risk of developing MS
Vitamin D Deficiency – Medical professionals have found a connection between low vitamin D levels and MS susceptibility
Geography – Studies have shown that people who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop MS

What is inflammation?

Inflammation occurs as a natural response by the body’s immune system to injury, infection, or stress. During inflammation, cytokines (small proteins) are released in the body.

These proteins cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow and causing redness and warmth in the affected area. The cytokines also cause the body to send white blood cells to the site of inflammation to fight off any infections or injuries.

However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can cause harm to healthy tissues and cells. Chronic inflammation is associated with various autoimmune diseases, including MS.

MS and inflammation

MS is often considered an autoimmune disease, but the inflammation also plays a significant role in the disease. The inflammation caused by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath leads to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.

Scientists are still working to understand the relationship between MS and inflammation. One theory is that inflammation is a response to the destruction of myelin sheath.

When the immune system attacks the myelin, the body sends white blood cells to the area to repair the damage. These cells then cause inflammation in the affected area.

Treatment for MS inflammation

The traditional approach to treat MS has been using disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). DMTs are drugs that modify the immune system to reduce attacks on the myelin sheath.

However, these drugs often have side effects, are expensive, and may not be effective.

Researchers are now studying a new tactic to fight MS inflammation. The tactic involves using anti-inflammatory drugs that only target the inflammation caused by MS.

Unlike DMTs, these drugs do not affect the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

Types of anti-inflammatory drugs for MS

The following are some of the types of anti-inflammatory drugs that are being studied are:.

Glatiramer acetate

Glatiramer acetate is an FDA-approved drug that is currently used to treat relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The drug modulates the immune system and reduces inflammation by changing the body’s immune system responses.

Natalizumab

Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits the immune cells from attacking the myelin sheath. The drug is administered as an infusion every four weeks.

Fingolimod

Fingolimod works by retaining the immune system’s T-cells in the lymph nodes, so they do not attack the myelin sheath. The drug is administered orally.

Ocrelizumab

Ocrelizumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the immune cells (B-cells) that cause inflammation in the central nervous system.

Conclusion

MS is a complex disease, and researchers are still working to understand the factors that cause it. Inflammation plays a significant role in MS and can cause long-term damage to the nervous system.

The new approach to treat MS inflammation using anti-inflammatory drugs that only target the inflammation caused by MS is promising.

These drugs do not have the side effects of traditional DMTs and are being studied to treat various forms of the disease.

As more research is conducted, the hope is that scientists will develop safer and more effective treatments for MS.