Risk Factors Associated with Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-Control Study in Damascus, Syria

Association of adverse childhood experiences with adulthood multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of observational studies

INTRODUCTION

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are proposed to increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. This systematic review aimed to explore the correlation between ACEs and MS development, age of onset, quality of life in MS patients and MS relapse rates.

METHODS

We searched a total of six databases in June 2022 and retrieved the relevant studies. The population included adult (18+) individuals who either had been diagnosed or were at risk for developing MS and also had exposure to ACEs. Our primary outcomes include the risks of MS development, age of MS onset, and MS relapse rate in patients who were exposed to different types of ACEs.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies were included in our review. A study reported that among 300 women diagnosed with MS, 71 (24%) reported a history of childhood abuse; moreover, with further research, it was concluded that ACEs were associated with the development of MS. Abuse that occurred 2-3 times per week was associated with an 18.81-fold increased risk of having MS when compared to the unexposed sample. The relapse rate of MS was found to be substantially greater in severe cases of ACEs compared to individuals who did not report any ACEs.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support a significant association between ACEs and the development of MS; individuals with a positive history of ACEs develop MS symptoms earlier. Moreover, the severity of ACEs is also linked with increased relapse rates of MS.

Analysis of shared underlying mechanism in neurodegenerative disease

In this review, the relationship between bioenergetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation will be and how they contribute to neurodegeneration, specifically in Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS) will be reviewed. Long-term changes in mitochondrial function, autophagy dysfunction, and immune activation are commonalities shared across these age-related disorders. Genetic risk factors for these diseases support an autophagy-immune connection in the underlying pathophysiology. Critical areas of deeper evaluation in these bioenergetic processes may lead to potential therapeutics with efficacy across multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

Potential nanocarrier-mediated miRNA-based therapy approaches for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neuroinflammatory disorder attributed to neurodegeneration and demyelination, resulting in neurological impairment. miRNA has a significant role in biological processes in MS. In this review, we focus on the feasibility of delivering miRNAs through nanoformulations for managing MS. We provide a brief discussion of miRNA synthesis and evidence for miRNA dysregulation in MS. We also highlight formulation strategies and resulting technologies for the effective delivery of miRNAs through nanocarrier systems for achieving high therapeutic benefits.

Exosomes and Biomaterials: In Search of a New Therapeutic Strategy for Multiple Sclerosis

Current efforts to find novel treatments that counteract multiple sclerosis (MS) have pointed toward immunomodulation and remyelination. Currently, cell therapy has shown promising potential to achieve this purpose. However, disadvantages such as poor survival, differentiation, and integration into the target tissue have limited its application. A series of recent studies have focused on the cell secretome, showing it to provide the most benefits of cell therapy. Exosomes are a key component of the cell secretome, participating in the transfer of bioactive molecules. These nano-sized vesicles offer many therapeutical advantages, such as the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, an enrichable cargo, and a customizable membrane. Moreover, integrating of biomaterials into exosome therapy could lead to new tissue-specific therapeutic strategies. In this work, the use of exosomes and their integration with biomaterials is presented as a novel strategy in the treatment of MS.

Health benefits of astaxanthin against age-related diseases of multiple organs: A comprehensive review

Age-related diseases are associated with increased morbidity in the past few decades and the cost associated with the treatment of these age-related diseases exerts a substantial impact on social and health care expenditure. Anti-aging strategies aim to mitigate, delay and reverse aging-associated diseases, thereby improving quality of life and reducing the burden of age-related pathologies. The natural dietary antioxidant supplementation offers substantial pharmacological and therapeutic effects against various disease conditions. Astaxanthin is one such natural carotenoid with superior antioxidant activity than other carotenoids, as well as well as vitamins C and E, and additionally, it is known to exhibit a plethora of pharmacological effects. The present review summarizes the protective molecular mechanisms of actions of astaxanthin on age-related diseases of multiple organs such as Neurodegenerative diseases [Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Status Epilepticus (SE)], Bone Related Diseases [Osteoarthritis (OA) and Osteoporosis], Cancers [Colon cancer, Prostate cancer, Breast cancer, and Lung Cancer], Cardiovascular disorders [Hypertension, Atherosclerosis and Myocardial infarction (MI)], Diabetes associated complications [Diabetic nephropathy (DN), Diabetic neuropathy, and Diabetic retinopathy (DR)], Eye disorders [Age related macular degeneration (AMD), Dry eye disease (DED), Cataract and Uveitis], Gastric Disorders [Gastritis, Colitis, and Functional dyspepsia], Kidney Disorders [Nephrolithiasis, Renal fibrosis, Renal Ischemia reperfusion (RIR), Acute kidney injury (AKI), and hyperuricemia], Liver Diseases [Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Alcoholic Liver Disease (AFLD), Liver fibrosis, and Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR) Injury], Pulmonary Disorders [Pulmonary Fibrosis, Acute Lung injury (ALI), and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)], Muscle disorders (skeletal muscle atrophy), Skin diseases [Atopic dermatitis (ATD), Skin Photoaging, and Wound healing]. We have also briefly discussed astaxanthin's protective effects on reproductive health.