New Scientific Findings on Multiple Sclerosis Disease

Multiple Sclerosis or Muscular Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord) and optic nerve. During an MS attack, inflammation occurs in areas of the white matter of the central nervous system in random patches called plaques. This leads to destruction of fatty-protein (myelin) protecting nerve cell fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Myelin allows for the smooth, high speed transmission of electrochemical messages between the brain, spinal cord and the body. When myelin is damaged, neurological transmission of messages may be slowed, resulting in diminished function. MS is considered an autoimmune disease that most often affects young adults. The immune system attacks myelin and oligodendrocytes cells that make myelin. An increased incidence of MS has been observed over the past two decades. The most recent epidemiological features possibly associated with environmental risk factors such as a vitamin D deficit, low life-long ultraviolet radiation, viral infection, aging and the high-latitude locations. Several effective drugs and complimentary therapies have been provided for MS patients to slow down the progression of their disabling disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of this dreadful disease along with progression of stem cells research may bring hope for those who suffer from MS disease.