Possible biomarkers of multiple sclerosis have been found
Australian neuroscientists have discovered that the substance kynurenin, derived from an essential amino acid, may be associated with the development of a severe form of multiple sclerosis.
Worldwide, according to the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis, in 2013 there were 2.3 million people with multiple sclerosis. Moreover, about half of all patients were exposed to a mild form of the disease, while the second half was more severe. The reason for this phenomenon, as it turned out, may be related to the amino acid tryptophan and the acid kynurenin.
Australian neuroscientists conducted a study to find out exactly how multiple sclerosis can develop. The aim of their experiment was to study what internal mechanisms are involved in the transition from a mild, initial form of multiple sclerosis to a more severe one – progressive multiple sclerosis. To do this, the tests were taken from two groups of patients who had the initial and progressive forms of the disease. A total of 231 patients were examined. The emphasis in this study was made by scientists on the study of the so-called kynurenine pathway.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. It is not synthesized by the human body, but comes from food as part of proteins. It is already known that kynurenin is formed from tryptophan and is associated with inflammation in the body. Scientists have found that the pathway of tryptophan decay involving kynurenine, called the kynurenine pathway, may be directly related to the progression of multiple sclerosis. The kynurenic pathway includes two key substances: kynurenic and quinolinic acids. And, as neuroscientists found, their levels deviated greatly from the norm in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Thus, the level of "good" acid – kynurenic acid, which protects neurons from death – decreased in the body of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. Whereas the "bad" acid, quinoline, on the contrary, was produced in greater quantities. Because of this, neuronal death and further development of the disease occurred. In addition, scientists have recorded a change in the normal levels of several other substances involved in the kinuren pathway. Thus, a decrease in the level of picolic acid was found, which also protects neurons from death. And the content of the aggressive tumor necrosis factor-α, which contributes to the development of inflammation and the death of neurons, on the contrary increased.
As noted in the study, until now there have been no universally recognized markers for the development of progressive multiple sclerosis. And the change in the levels of substances involved in the kynurenine pathway found in patients with multiple sclerosis may well be suitable for the role of such biomarkers. Also, according to scientists, these biomarkers will help diagnose other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
A study by Lim et al. Kynurenine pathway metabolomics predicts and provides mechanical insight into multiple sclerosis progression published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru
07.02.2017