| A study has found a way to block the chronic inflammatory response that causes multiple sclerosis. (Photo = DB) |
[메디컬투데이=최재백 기자] A way to block the chronic inflammatory response that causes multiple sclerosis has been discovered.
A study published in PLOS Biology found a way to block the chronic inflammatory response that causes multiple sclerosis (MS).
Inflammation is a key factor in the pathophysiology including MS relapse and progression, and cellular and humoral inflammatory mediators are involved, particularly in relapsing-remitting MS.
According to the research team, environmental factors, including diet, smoking, and stress, are as important in the development of MS as genetic predisposition. The research team explained that changes in the gut microbiome due to environmental factors can affect the immune system.
They said they wanted to see if inflammation associated with MS could be reduced and symptoms alleviated by blocking the activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which regulates the immune cells of the gut microbiome, in a mouse model of MS. .
Researchers explained that AHR is a receptor known to be involved in other inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. As a result of inhibiting the activity of AHR present in immune cells in the intestine, they were able to prevent inflammation that causes MS almost twice. .
When AHR was blocked, it was found that, in addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, the secretion of bile salts in the intestine increased. Bile salt is one of the chemicals secreted from the stomach to digest food, and the research team explained that increasing bile salt has an anti-inflammatory effect similar to blocking the AHR receptor.
Experts evaluated that this study found a new way to block the action of certain inflammatory immune cells by acting on molecules involved in the interaction between the gut microbiome and the immune system.
They believe that in addition to the effects of AHR on T cells, which are part of the acquired immune response, they can also affect innate immune cells, including natural cytotoxic cells (NK cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells have analyze them.
They went on to report that when AHR agonist activity was tested in the plasma of human patients with advanced MS, disease activity was increased.
The research team announced that they intend to apply the results of the research to clinical practice after discovering which bile salt inhibits inflammation most effectively through future research. They expected that this study could lead to the development of new therapies targeting AHR receptors or bile salts in the intestine.
Experts also say that it is interesting that the interaction between the gut microbiome, the immune system, and the brain is an important part of MS pathology, and that treatments and management that act directly on the gut microbiome, such as dietary modification, be able to reduce inflammation in patients with MS
Today’s Medical Correspondent Jaebaek Choi (jaebaekchoi@naver.com)
[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
