The strange secret of multiple sclerosis

The strange secret of multiple sclerosis

The relationship between multiple sclerosis and dairy products has been a mystery for years, but a recent study recently revealed the details of this occurrence and its impact on patients.

A study prepared by German researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Erlangen-Nuremberg showed that a specific protein in cow's milk can stimulate immune cells known to cause damage to neurons in MS.

Stephanie Courten, a researcher who has been working on this study since 2018, explained that the casein protein is the main reason for this, according to what was published by the New Atlas website.

But this observation only confirmed the link, while the researchers were more interested in finding out how milk protein might damage neurons associated with MS.

wrong immune response

The hypothesis is that casein triggers a faulty immune response, which means it must resemble the same antigens that lead immune cells to incorrectly target healthy brain cells, said Ritika Chondr, a study co-author.

She added that experiments comparing casein with different molecules important for the production of myelin, the fatty covering surrounding nerve cells, led to the discovery of a myelin-binding glycoprotein, called MAG.

Also, it showed that this protein appeared remarkably similar to casein in some ways to the extent that casein antibodies were also active against MAG in laboratory animals.

casein milk

The researchers also found that B immune cells from patients with multiple sclerosis were particularly sensitive to casein.

It also concluded that the link between dairy products and MS symptoms is due to the casein protein in milk that triggers an influx of immune antibodies.

These immune cells mistakenly attack certain cells in the brain because of the MAG protein's similarity to casein, a mechanism that likely only affects people who are allergic to dairy.

Courten said that a self-test is currently being developed in which affected individuals can check whether they carry the corresponding antibodies, and at least this subgroup should abstain from milk, yoghurt or cottage cheese.

It affects the brain and there is no cure for it

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that potentially disrupts the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, causing problems with communication between your brain and the rest of your body. The disease can cause permanent nerve damage or deterioration.

While there is no complete cure for multiple sclerosis until now. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and treat symptoms.