The abnormal immune system response that causes multiple sclerosis (MS) by attacking and damaging the central nervous system can be triggered by the lack of a specific fatty acid in fatty tissue.
- Adipose tissue in patients diagnosed with MS lacks normal levels of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.
- Lack of oleic acids results in a loss of metabolic sensors that activate T cells that mediate the immune system’s response to infectious diseases.
A change in diet could help treat some people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This possibility is suggested by the discovery that the abnormal immune system response that causes autoimmune disease by attacking and damaging the central nervous system may be triggered by the lack of a specific fatty acid in fatty tissue. This discovery was presented on November 10 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
The lack of oleic acids in question
Adipose tissue in patients diagnosed with MS lacks normal levels of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. It can be found in high levels in cooking oils, meats, cheese, nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, pasta, milk, olives and avocados. “Lack of oleic acids leads to loss of metabolic sensors that activate T cells that mediate the immune system’s response to infectious diseases”, discovered the team of researchers. Without the suppressive effects of these regulatory T cells, the immune system can attack healthy cells in the central nervous system and cause vision loss, pain or lack of coordination.
When the researchers introduced oleic acids into the fatty tissues of MS patients, levels of regulatory T cells increased. “We have known for some time that genetics and environment play a role in the development of MSwrote the researchers. This article suggests that one of the environmental factors involved is diet..” They add that more studies are needed to determine if a diet high in oleic acid can help some MS patients.
A disease of young adults
Multiple sclerosis affects approximately 100,000 people in France. Known as a disease of young adults, it is most often diagnosed between the ages of 25 and 35 and attacks the central nervous system where the defense system gets carried away and attacks the protective sheath that surrounds the nerve fibers. This autoimmune disease is characterized by a feeling of fatigue, walking disorders or concentration problems. Thanks to a mobile application called Neurokeys, researchers have been able to rely on the speed of typing on the smartphone to detect the progression of the disease in people with multiple sclerosis.
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