Research Lipids and MS

Peggy PH, et al. Identification of Naturally Occurring Fatty Acids of the Myelin Sheath That Resolve Neuroinflammation  Sci. Transl. Med. DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3003831  Vol. 4, Issue 137, p. 137ra73


Lipids constitute 70% of the myelin sheath, and autoantibodies against lipids may contribute to the demyelination that characterizes multiple sclerosis (MS). We used lipid antigen microarrays and lipid mass spectrometry to identify bona fide lipid targets of the autoimmune response in MS brain, and an animal model of MS to explore the role of the identified lipids in autoimmune demyelination. We found that autoantibodies in MS target a phosphate group in phosphatidylserine and oxidized phosphatidylcholine derivatives. Administration of these lipids ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing activation and inducing apoptosis of autoreactive T cells, effects mediated by the lipids’ saturated fatty acid side chains. Thus, phospholipids represent a natural anti-inflammatory class of compounds that have potential as therapeutics for MS.



For many years people have focussed on proteins as targets for an immune response, but this group showed some time ago that lipids can also be targets for auto-antibody responses. But that was already known as antibodies against galactocerebroside (a lipid) could induce demyelination. 



In the past study it was reported that 
In this new study it was reported that 
This study suggests that some lipids inhibit the immune response and that autoimmunity to the lipids stop the inhibitory effect of the lipids. This group is now specialising in finding "brakes"..the immunological mechanics...only time will tell if this idea is a race car or a junker. 

On face value this suggests a new nutriceutical approach to treating autoimmunity, but before you start supplementing with lots of new fats, I would wait until there is evidence from clinical studies. I would also wait until someone independently repeats these studies. I say this because some of the neurological benefit reported was marginal and there appeared to be relapses in the treated groups and in my humble opinion the graphs sometimes told a different picture than the words, but best not say more or it will get me started. 

The study aimed to provide a translational approach by sticking fatty acids intravenously before disease starts. This is not very translational and nor is the route of administration, surely we need to see oral administration. However, we are making many of these fatty acids and putting them in the blood as we get older, as we clog up our arteries with atherosclerosis

We have been inducing EAE with whole tissue homogenate for years. Surely these are full of these fatty acids! So are the fatty acids really that immune inhibitory? 

We have yet another nutriceutical that can stop EAE, but be warned there are plenty of studies that show eating a tub of lard can stop EAE. However let us hope the group follow this up and show us that they have a new treatment for MS.

So to summarise using the car analogy the auto-antibody against fats can destroy fat-containing myelin,  like rust (antibody response) attacking the fabric of the car (myelin) so it gets destroyed (as shown in 2006). In this new study (2012) it suggests that the rust can remove the break pedal. This would cause a crash as you can not stop, so the car gets destroyed. Same result, but different routes to the problem.  However this latter study suggests a solution, supply more break pedals so rust is not that effective in inhibiting the car from crashing. So the car is usable for longer.


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