Latest breakthroughs in the medical research help scientists solve the multiple sclerosis (MS) puzzle. Before the discovery, researchers were confused on the source of multiple sclerosis. This is a very popular neurological disease that causes symptoms like muscle weakness to paralysis. The study was released on Sunday.
The MS disease:
Here’s more on the nerve disorder. The immune system of the body mistakenly attacks Myelin, the electrical insulation of nerve fibers. When this occurs, nerve signals get slowed or even blocked. The result is difficulties in movement, coordination, and vision problems.
The Study and facts:
A human body has plenty of genes in it. So the researchers looked at probably 100 of those. Methods used to hunt for the right gene related to MS vary. One of them is the whole genome method. Another method is simply known as the candidate gene approach.
Irrespective of the methods used by various research teams, the result of the research was the same. They all pointed to two genes – Chromosome 5 and 10. Both of these genes are related to different Interleukin elements which cause harm to the body. According to the discoveries, any change in the IL7-R or IL2-R creates dangerous conditions. Both together contribute to the recipe of MS.
Perspectives:
Up till now, scientists as well as doctors were very frustrated over this MS issue. Although, they sort of had a general idea of where the gene causing MS was located, they didn’t have the specific information. I am relieved to hear about this discovery as well. I am sure, patients with MS will appreciate the good news.
One of the research team members, Simon Gregory, a geneticist at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina said:
Our finding is very important, because the genetic factors that are already known to be associated with multiple sclerosis only explain less than half of the total genetic basis for the disease.
Kari Stefansson of Decode Genetics, a company based in Reykjavik, Iceland said:
This is a very good beginning
With the discovery of the specific genes responsible for the MS, scientists hope to develop a system by which they can cure patients affected by this disease. People have been looking for the cause of MS for last 30 years or so without much luck. The studies were published by Nature Genetics and the New England Journal of Medicine.
Image credits: NIH , Affrc
