Search for:
Search for:
Healthcare Professionals
Publications
Contact
News
Español
Magazine
Radio
*
Get Educated
What is MS?
A chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, comprised of the brain...
More Details
Educational Materials
Common Questions
Lending Library
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Additional Resources
Research
MS Awareness Month
Donate
Get Help
Health & Wellness Program
Get educational materials and referrals, as well as the opportunity to participate in various...
Learn More
Grants & Programs
Awareness Campaigns
Support Groups
Events
Lending Library
Additional Resources
Get Involved
MS Awareness Month
An annual, nationwide campaign with goals to promote an understanding of MS, and to assist those...
Learn More
Advocacy
Buy from Partners
Volunteer
Businesses
MS Research Trials
Supporter Program
Awareness Campaigns
Host an Event
Events
MS Focus on Fashion
The inaugural MS Focus on Fashion, will take place on Nov. 6, in Dania Beach, Fla.
Learn More
Events Calendar
Health & Wellness
Fundraisers
Support
Web & Teleconferences
MS Education
Host an Event
About Us
Programs & Grants
More Details
Overview
Press Room
Leadership
Healthcare Advisory Board
Financial Statements
Our Mission
Careers at MS Focus
Affiliations
Assistive Technology P...
The Assistive Technology Program provides information about, and funding for, devices that help...
/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Assistive-Technology-Program
Shop
Privacy
Terms of Use
Site Map
Environmental factors may trigger onset of MS
October 18, 2018
A new study suggests myelin sheaths undergo structural transitions when triggered by changes in local environmental conditions, such as salt concentration and temperature. These transitions, according to the study, render the body vulnerable to autoimmune attacks that can lead to multiple sclerosis. Because researchers believe these structural modifications result in myelin membrane vulnerability to the immune system attacks, it can help explain the causes of MS and perhaps pave the way for a treatment or a cure.
Tel Aviv University researchers said they found that under certain environmental conditions, such as elevated salinity and temperature, myelin sheaths protecting neurons undergo structural transitions consistent with pathological myelin structures in MS. Physiological conditions are regulated in the body itself, but temperature and salinity are subject to localized external changes. The results presented in the study suggest that even minor changes in these conditions may trigger MS.
The researchers used X-ray scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy to track and measure the myelin sheaths in healthy and diseased animal models. They found that healthy lamellar membranes spontaneously changed into different structures of nanoscale tubes called inverted hexagonal shapes.
The findings highlight that local environmental conditions are critical for myelin function. The authors said these conditions should be considered as alternative possibilities for early diagnosis and as a means of avoiding the onset of demyelination.
Results of mouse model studies sometimes do not translate to humans and may be years away from being a marketable treatment. However, because they now have a new biophysical understanding to investigate the degradation of myelin sheaths, they are following up on other candidates that can induce such structural transition. There are several molecular candidates, including specific proteins and other alterations in the myelin's fatty acids that may unravel further insights to fight MS.
The findings were published in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA
.
MS Focus Lending Library
Books, DVDs, and CDs are available for loan, by mail across the United States.
Learn more