The Biology of and Current Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

The Biology of and Current Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the demyelination and inflammation of the white matter in the central nervous system (CNS) causes a wide range of symptoms or disabilities. The prevalence is greatest in northern climates, having about a 2:1 female-to-male ratio (Brinkmann et al. 2010) with a peak age of onset of 20 to 40 years (Raine et al. 2008). People with MS experience muscle weakness, blindness, cognitive disruption, depression, etc. to different extents. Its cause is not fully understood, but several studies have proved that it involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and immunologic factors (Joffe 2005). Although there is no cure for MS, there are medications that treat symptoms and slow the progress of the disease, including interferons , Copaxone and Fingolimod, albeit their feasibility varies.

MS today is known as a complex demyelinating disease characterized by scarring in the CNS as well as a number of uncertain elements. Its etiology remains unknown although it is widely accepted that it is viruses or the environment that cause the breach of the BBB, and therefore attack of oligodendrocytes by invading T-cells.