Scientists find possible cure for multiple sclerosis

The researchers found the cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plays a pivotal role in triggering MS.

Experts explained that in healthy bodies GM-CSF is a part of immune system and attacks viruses and other invaders but, in MS they activate “scavenger cells” that damage the tissues of the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers of the central nervous system.

It can lead to problems in vision, muscle weakness, and decline in thinking and memory.

The study found neutralization of cytokine GM-CSF significantly eased the symptoms of the illness in mice afflicted with a MS like condition.

Lead author of the study, immunologist Burkhard Becher at the University of Zurich stated, "We are extremely hopeful but whether this form of therapy will actually help MS patients remains to be seen. Quiet optimism is the way to go.

"I am not sure this is going to work in patients but, based on the mouse data, I believe GM-CSF is a good thing to target."

Experiments on mice
The researchers used transgenic mouse models of multiple sclerosis for the their experiments. They found rodents injected with an antibody that countered the GM-CSF cytokine were cured of MS in the study.

In addition, the drug was also administered to mice whose disease closely resembled the most common form of MS which is characterized by frequent relapses after periods of remission.

The scientists observed that eliminating the GM-CSF prevented any further relapses.

Professor Becher stated, "Without scavenger cells like these, the inflammation can't really get going in the first place and the neutralization of GM-CSF can even reverse the inflammatory process.”

Experts optimistic for human trials
The scientists are optimistic that the success of the animal studies will translate into humans and help those with MS.

Human trials are slated to begin by the end of this year. However, it may take about seven years before the drugs are available for commercial use.

Dr Doug Brown, of the MS Society stated, "This is a very interesting development in research for a condition where there are limited treatment options and no cure.

"It is early days and there is still a lot of work to be done before we fully understand what it means for people with MS, but it is satisfying to see that trials are already planned and we look forward to seeing how these progress."

The study has been published in the journal 'Nature Immunology.'

A little about multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) degenerate.

The disease affects the nerves, and the victims experience a progressive physical disability, disrupting functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.

Nearly 350,000 people in the U.S. are afflicted with multiple sclerosis. Although the disease is generally diagnosed between 20 and 50 years of age, it sometimes also develops in children and in the elderly.

The cause of MS is still unknown and there is no cure for the ailment. However, new research and treatment methods are being investigated and are expected to offer some hope to people with the disease.