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Bilbao (EFE) .- Researchers from the University of the Basque Country found a molecular key to delay the progression of multiple sclerosis a discovery published by the scientific journal EMBO Molecular Medicine, reported today the UPV / EHU.
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 spinal cord.
The current treatment of multiple sclerosis is based on modulating the activity of the immune system, and prevents its cells from accessing the central nervous system and damaging it. These therapies are effective in the early stages of the disease, but they do not prevent progression and progressive functional deterioration.
In the work that has just been published, a receptor named P2X4 has been identified in microglial cells that increases its anti-inflammatory potential, to reduce damage in multiple sclerosis and, most importantly, improve own body repair answers.
According to Dr. María Domercq, of the Department of Neuroscience of the UPV / EHU, who works at the research center Achucarro de Leioa, "it is a discovery that opens a new path for pharmacological development for treatment of the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis, and with that, we want to open a new door to improving the quality of life of people who suffer from it. "
This ambitious study was developed by a coordinated international research group from Euskadi, in concrete from Leioa, with research staff from Achucarro, UPV / EHU, cyberNed and CIC biomaGUNE, in collaboration with the technical contribution of professionals from the University of Hamburg, Germany, and the Institute of Functional Genomics of Montpellier, France. EFE
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