Priyanka
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The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. A recent study sheds light on this connection, offering insights into why some individuals develop MS.
Gut Bacteria and MS Risk
The human gut contains trillions of bacteria and microorganisms collectively known as the microbiome. These microbes influence overall health, including immune function. Researchers at Yale University in the U.S. discovered that MS patients have different gut bacteria compositions compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, these patients had lower levels of bacteria covered by an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA).
Disrupted Balance in MS Patients
According to lead researcher Associate Professor Erin Longbrake, a reduced presence of IgA-covered bacteria suggests an imbalance between the body and intestinal microbes. Environmental factors may alter gut bacteria, increasing the risk of MS. These findings, published in Neurology Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation, analyzed 43 newly diagnosed MS patients who had not yet started treatment and compared them with 42 healthy individuals.
Key Findings from Stool Sample Analysis
- MS patients had fewer Faecalibacterium bacteria.
- Untreated MS patients had higher levels of Monoglobus bacteria.
- 19 MS patients received B-cell depletion therapy, which targets immune cells contributing to autoimmune diseases.
- After six months of treatment, their gut microbiome resembled that of healthy individuals.
Implications for MS Treatment
Professor Longbrake emphasized that this study enhances understanding of how B-cell depletion therapy works in MS treatment. It may also provide clues about why some individuals develop MS while others do not. This research could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies focusing on gut microbiome regulation.
