Factors Behind the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a form of autoimmune diseaseWhen the myelin cover is destroyed, the signals
that often causes irreversible impairments attransmitted at the level of the nervous system
different levels of the nervous system. Atare disrupted, thus causing a series of neurological
present, multiple sclerosis can neither besymptoms in patients confronted with this type
prevented, nor completely cured. However, theof disease. Although in the past medical scientists
existing treatments are used to slow down thebelieved that multiple sclerosis only involves the
progression of the disease, prolong the periods ofdestruction of myelin, recent medical investigations
remission, ease the symptomatic flare-ups andhave revealed the fact that the axons are also
prevent the development of further complications.attacked by the dysfunctional immune system.
The main factor responsible for the developmentAxon destruction begins in the incipient stages of
of multiple sclerosis is inappropriate activity of themultiple sclerosis and it is considered to be the
immune system.main reason for the irreversible character of the
While the normal immune system producesdisease. The spontaneous periods of remission
antibodies that fight against antigens (foreignexperienced by most patients with multiple
infectious agents), in the case of multiple sclerosissclerosis are believed to occur not as a result of
the immune system becomes dysfunctional andtemporary decreased autoimmune response, but
turns against healthy body cells. The compromisedas a result of accentuated remyelination (repairing
immune system can no longer distinguish betweenof the myelin) at the level of the nerve cells.
healthy, normal cells and antigens, triggeringHowever, the benefic effects of remyelination are
repeated attacks on the body's nervous systemlater surpassed by the undesired actions of the
and destroying the nervous cells' protective coverimmune system in the periods of relapse.
called myelin. The destruction of myelin (proteinIntrigued by the process of spontaneous
that has a series of vital roles at the level of theremyelination that occurs in the periods of
nervous system) determines serious impairmentsremission, medical scientists are currently working
of the central nervous system and peripheralto stimulate and enhance this process at the level
nerve tissues.of the nerve cells in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Myelin surrounds the axons, (filaments that areExtra stimulation of the nervous systems'
responsible with the transmission of electricproduction of myelin, corroborated with
impulses among nerve cells) facilitating theimmunosuppressive treatments may provide an
transmission of information between nervous cells.efficient cure in the near future.