Sophia Li

Author: Hui Chen
Published: April 1, 2014
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140401173136.htm

Summary
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has recently been approved in Europe as a basic therapy for multiple sclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects nerve fibers by damaging their myelin sheaths. The cause of multiple sclerosis is uknown and the disease has no cure, but there are several possible treatments for affected people. Basic MS therapy usually involves beta interferons or glatiramer acetate, which are administered by injections under the skin or into the muscle, causing great discomfort to many patients. However, DMF can be taken as a tablet and has much less side effects. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research and the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Lubeck used a standardized mouse model of multiple sclerosis, whereby drugs trigger an autoimmune response. Using this model, they induced neurological deficits similar to those observed in multiple sclerosis. In this experiment, the group treated with DMF had significantly less problems in motor function than the control group. Researchers also discovered that DMF's protective effect is due to the HCA2 receptor. The activation of the HCA2 receptor is responsible for infiltration of the CNS, and DMF blocks this infiltration, theryby preventing inflammation. In mice without the HCA2 receptor, DMF was unable to prevent the signs or paralysis caused by multiple sclerosis. Scientists believe that patients respond differently to DMF treatment because individual genetic differences infulence the efficacy of DMF. Researchers also intend to search for additional substances that bind to the HCA2 receptor that may even have a greater efficacy with fewer side effects.

Connection
This article connects to our study of nervous system, the immune system, and autoimmune diseases. We learned in class that autoimmune diseases are caused when the immune system turns against some of the body's own molecules or "self"cells. While studying about the immune and nervous system, we learned that multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. T cells attack the myelin sheaths that cover the axons of neurons. Multiple sclerosis can cause fatigue, tingling, and numbness, as well as interfere with memory, talking, and concentration. As mentioned in the article, while there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are many treatments. Medicines for autoimmune diseases usually replace the destroyed "self cells," suppress the immune response, or treat specific symptoms. DMF is an example of one of these medicines.