Remyelination in multiple sclerosis, along with its immunology and association with gut dysbiosis, lifestyle, and environmental factors

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2023 Jul 31;85(9):4417-4424. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001127. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that damages the myelin sheath around the axons of the central nervous system. While there are periods of inflammation and remyelination in MS, the latter can sometimes be insufficient and lead to the formation of lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency, viral or bacterial infections, tobacco smoking, and anxiety have been shown to play a role in the development of MS. Dysbiosis, where the composition of the microbiome changes, may also be involved in the pathogenesis of MS by affecting the gut's microbial population and negatively impacting the integrity of the epithelia. While the cause of MS remains unknown, genetic susceptibility, and immunological dysregulation are believed to play a key role in the development of the disease. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and microbial factors in the pathogenesis of MS.

Keywords: environmental factors; gut bacteria; lifestyle factors; multiple sclerosis; remyelination.

Publication types

  • Review