Up to now, there is ongoing research with regards to the factors that could trigger the onset of multiple sclerosis, more popularly termed as MS. Some findings indicate that there is an ordinary oral bacterium that could complicate this debilitating autoimmune disorder.
More information on multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is actually a disease wherein the body’s very own immune system attacks the brain, including the spinal cord. This disease affects one in approximately seven hundred people in the U.S. area. Those who have MS display a variety of symptoms such as neurological ones, difficulty in mobility and speech, and muscle weakness.
The common bacteria
The common bacteria, being talked about, are the porphyromas gingivalis, which is very common in human beings. These bacteria produce a very unique form of lipid called phosphorylated dihydroceramides or DHC’s. The DHC enhances the inflammatory response of the person. Also, this lipid is produced in other regions of the body, usually in the gastrointestinal tract.
These bacteria can be detected by identifying first if there is any DNA that specifically responds to this particular strain. This can be done by having a polymerase chain reaction, which is used for characterizing any evidence of DNA that specifically respond to the porphyromas gingivalis.
With this diagnostic tool, the presence of such bacteria can be identified in the oral cavity. This further suggests that early detection, including eradication, pay important roles in prophylaxis for this autoimmune disease.
Actually, a study was initiated by experts from the University of Connecticut Health Center such as Robert Clark and Frank Nichols. They started with this research in order to determine if such lipids can accentuate the immune-mediated impairment in this specific autoimmune sickness.
According to the findings of this study, the disease’s severity was enhanced whenever there were more these lipids. This concludes that the DHC’s which were phosphorylated from the said bacteria that are usually found in the body of humans can actually trigger, or in some cases, increase, the severity of multiple sclerosis.
Triggering factors
It is already a known fact that during an autoimmune attack, the own immune system attacks self tissues that could either be healthy or damaged. Either way, the immune system’s cells attack them all.
In the case of multiple sclerosis, the cells attack the protective covering of the nerves which is called the myelin. Apart from serving as protection, the myelin also aids in the proper transmission of signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
After proving that phosphorylated DHC’s from common bacteria found in humans can aggravate the process of this particular autoimmune system. Their next goal is to exemplify the effects of such DHC’s on the immune system’s cells. Also, they would like to identify exactly how the DHC’s are deposited in the tissues and exactly which tissues it prefers to be deposited in
They have also determined that phosphorylated DHC’s have a big potential to be the markers of multiple sclerosis’ disease process and also as the new targets when it comes to therapeutic intervention.
When it comes to treating multiple sclerosis, a variety of ways can be depended on. These treatment methods, no matter how different they may be, are all focused on one thing and one thing only, and that is to treat the disease’s general symptoms.
Treatments vary from the parenteral medications that can reduce the flare-ups to the medications that are aimed at treating fatigue, inflammation and the resulting muscle spasticity. Also, there are different kinds of diet that have been established to help a lot in reducing multiple sclerosis symptoms. Moreover, and fortunately, most of these diets have been tested to have the ability to reverse the total disease process.
Doing it the conventional way
Even treating multiple sclerosis has a conventional type. Usually, a Beta Interferon is injected into the body as it decreases the flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. With the use of a protein that has already undergone some genetic engineering; the medication is able to reduce the disease’s general activity. However, the Beta Interferon does not have any power when it comes to reversing what has already been damaged.
Despite the fact that the protein being used in this treatment method is very similar to a protein that is already inside the human body, many still find it difficult to successfully tolerate the medication. This is mainly because the drug’s side effects can oftentimes be unmanageable. With this in mind, physicians usually prescribe or suggest this kind of treatment for those who have the relapsing type of multiple sclerosis.
Alternative drugs
Since the Beta Interferon is only for those with complaint but can still walk, physicians prescribe other drugs that can also treat the symptoms of the subject in topic. However, these drugs can only serve to prolong life by making it more comfortable for the person living it. Most of these alternative drugs do not have the power to reduce the process of the pathogenicity of the disease nor can it reverse the disease.
For flare-ups, doctors usually prescribe an analgesic, which is the medical term given to pain relievers, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids.
Masking symptoms is a no-go.
Covering up symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis is never a great idea. The only best way to treat, according to statistical research, is that people should improve their life by modifying their lifestyle. For instance, those who have multiple sclerosis should know which food are safe to eat and which ones should be avoided.
Physicians and nutritionists state that a diet rich in vegetables and fresh fruits is best for multiple sclerosis. Also, a reduced amount of saturated fats has been proven to be very helpful and beneficial.
As much as possible, those who have multiple sclerosis must avoid stress at all costs. To attain this, they have to do some relaxation techniques or exercising that renders them and their system stress-free. Examples of such exercises are walking, yoga, swimming and tai chi.
Also, it is important that people with multiple sclerosis keep a positive attitude above all. Although attitude cannot do anything for definitely curing the disease, it can help in reducing the stress. And once stress is reduced, if not totally avoided, then the symptoms are greatly reduced as well.
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