Scientists have identified the cause of women's predisposition to multiple sclerosis

Biologists from the Anschutz School of Medicine at the University of Colorado have discovered protein markers that explain why women are three times more likely than men to suffer from multiple sclerosis. The study revealed a link between hormonal changes and the activity of immune cells in the brain between the ages of 30 and 49. This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on April 21.

During the work, the specialists analyzed more than 120 proteins in the patients' cerebrospinal fluid. Women with multiple sclerosis had elevated levels of proteins associated with inflammation and the activity of microglia, the brain's immune cells. At the same time, scientists noted a decrease in the indicators responsible for the restoration of neurons and their normal functioning.

"By identifying specific protein changes in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, the study improves our understanding of how multiple sclerosis progresses, especially in women. It also points to possible signals that doctors or researchers could use to track disease activity or test new treatments," said Kimberly Bruce, associate professor of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes at the Department of Endocrinology.

Scientists cite the influence of hormones as one of the reasons for the gender imbalance. Researchers have found elevated levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in patients with multiple sclerosis. This protein limits the availability of estrogen to tissues. According to Bruce, if neuroprotective estrogen is unavailable, it can lead to increased activation of the brain's immune cells.

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According to the researchers' theory, microglial cells and macrophages play a key role in the destruction of the myelin sheath of nerves. With multiple sclerosis, they become too reactive and stop efficiently processing lipids necessary to restore the protection of nerve fibers.

The scientists identified FABP5, APOC3, and CD99 proteins as potential targets for future therapy. According to the authors of the work, existing drugs are mainly aimed at reducing general inflammation, while medicine needs funds that focus on restoring lipid metabolism in brain tissues for more personalized treatment of patients.

Medical Xpress pointed out the mechanisms of neuron death in multiple sclerosis. According to the publication, inflammation in this disease destroys the DNA of neurons.