Found a Molecular Key to Delay the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis – Digital AIM

It was performed in the laboratory to improve the symptoms in the chronic phase of the disease, promoting the repair of nerve tissue, the challenge is now to move forward with human research. This discovery is the fruit of the work of an international consortium led in Euskadi from UPV / EHU and the Achucarro Center, with the staff of cyberNed and CIC biomaGune (Spain).

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks and destroys a structure called "myelin sheath" whose integrity is essential to the proper functioning of the brain and the body. spinal cord.

Current treatment of multiple sclerosis relies on the activity of the immune system, and prevent their cells from accessing the central nervous system, and damage it. These therapies are effective in the early stages of the disease, but do not prevent their progression and progressive functional deterioration.

In the progressive phase of the disease are the brain's microglial cells, the leading cause of chronic inflammation responsible for neurological deterioration These microglial cells are sentinels of the brain, and respond to any damage or infection of the same thing. This reaction, initially beneficial, becomes harmful when it is prolonged over time causing chronic inflammation, and aggravates the disease and promotes its progress.

In the book that has just been published has been identified a receptor called P2X4, in microglial cells that increases its anti-inflammatory potential, to reduce damage in multiple sclerosis and, most importantly , improve the body's own repair responses.

This experimental development was carried out using animal models of this disease, thanks to which it was discovered that the drugs that activate this receptor improve the symptoms in the chronic phase of the disease, by promoting the repair of nervous tissue.

As stated by Dr. Maria Domercq, of the Department of Neuroscience of the UPV / EHU, who works in the research center Achucarro de Leioa, "we are facing a discovery that opens a new path of development pharmacological for the treatment of the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis, and with this, we want to open a new door to improving the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis. "

He has was developed by a coordinated international research group from Euskadi, specifically from Leioa, with research staff from Achucarro, UPV / EHU, cyberNed and CIC biomaGune, in collaboration with the technical contribution of professionals from the 39, University of Hamburg in Germany and the Institute of Functional Genomics of Montpellier (France)

The research center Achucarro (Basque Achucarro Center for Neuroscience) is one of the centers of excellence of the Basque Government, and the professionals of the UPV / EHU, Ikerbasque, and the cyberNed network on neurodegenerative diseases of the Institute of Health research Carlos III of Madrid

Source : UPV / EHU