Researchers from the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM) have identified a molecule named ALCAM (Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule), which, once blocked, delays the progression of the
multiple sclerosis.
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More than 4.8 million people live with
multiple sclerosis globally, with about 300 new cases being diagnosed per week in the US and about 440 per week in Canada. Sixty per cent of adults with
multiple sclerosis are between the ages of 20 and 49 and women are three times more likely than men to be diagnosed with it.
Multiple sclerosis, a disease whose causes still remain unknown and presently there is no cure. Scientists believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing MS.
In a new study published in
Science Translational Medicine, the findings of the new study obtained from in vitro human and in vivo mouse studies, could lead to the development of a new generation of therapies to treat this autoimmune disease.
In normal conditions, the blood-brain barrier protects our brain from exposure to harmful elements. For example, it prevents cells of the immune system such as lymphocytes from invading our central nervous system.
However, in people with multiple sclerosis, this barrier is permeable. A large number of lymphocytes manage to migrate into the brain and deteriorate its tissues (by destruction of the myelin sheath that protects the neurons and enables the transmission of nerve impulses).
Dr. Alexandre Prat, a researcher at the CRCHUM, professor at the Université de Montréal and holder of the Canada Research Chair in Multiple Sclerosis told
Thailand Medical News via a phone interview, "In our study, we show for the first time that a molecule called ALCAM (Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule), expressed by B cells, controls their entry into the brain via blood vessels. It allows them to migrate to the other side of the blood-brain barrier in mice and humans. By blocking this molecule in mice, we were able to reduce the flow of B cells into their brains and, as a result, slow the progression of the disease."
Typically, B cells contribute to the progressive phase of
multiple sclerosis. Certain medications, commonly known as anti-B-cell drugs, reduce its progression and the resulting disability.
Dr. Prat further added, "The molecule ALCAM is expressed at higher levels on the B cells of people with
multiple sclerosis. By specifically targeting this molecule, we will now be able to explore other therapeutic avenues for the treatment of this disease.”
Generally,
multiple sclerosis can cause symptoms such as fatigue, lack of coordination, vision problems, cognitive impairment and mood changes.
It has also been observed that the number of people developing
multiple sclerosis have more than doubled over the last 4 years ie since 2015. Some attribute this to dietary habits and the increased consumption of
studies-proving-that-ultra-processed-foods-are-a-health-risks">ultra-processed foods that can cause epigenetic effects.
Reference: L. Michel el al., "Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule regulates B lymphocyte migration across central nervous system barriers," Science Translational Medicine (2019). stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/ … scitranslmed.aaw0475
