MS 'could be slowed by enzyme inhibition'

Scientists believe they may have found a way to slow down the progression of multiple sclerosis, it has been revealed, potentially bringing hope to those using assisted living due to the condition.

A study, published in journal Scientific Reports, found that preventing immune cells from using fatty acids as fuel could slow the disease progression in mice.

The cells were seen to starve and die as a result of the inhibition of a single enzyme, thereby preventing further inflammatory damage.

"We expect that because immune cells not in lesions in the CNS are able to use available glucose, they will function just fine during infection and that inhibition of this pathway would not produce general immune suppression," explained first author Leah P Shriver.

In other news, Reuters Health has reported that multiple sclerosis may not be caused by a blood vessel condition, despite earlier research suggesting otherwise.

Dr Ellen Marder, of the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, conducted an analysis of data which revealed that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency did not cause multiple sclerosis.

Read about Barchester expertise in offering multiple sclerosis support.