Future Cures of Multiple Sclerosis
Although there is no cure for MS, everyone is optimistic about the future and are striving to find the mystery ingredient to rid the world of multiple sclerosis once and for all. To take strides in this direction, our group decided that they were two parts to solve; first, fixing the damaged myelin sheaths or finding alternative means of transporting signals, and secondly, stopping the immune system from causing further harm. To find an alternative means of transporting signals within nerve tissue, the idea of scaffolding has come to light. Scaffolding is a term given to the procedure being researched for spinal cord injuries. Where there is a break in the nerve connection, nanofibers (small, inorganic structures) are placed inside the damaged area, along with citokines to promote growth. Working together, nervous tissue can be regenerated, and eventually the scaffold will be degraded, leaving in its place neural, vascular and support cells. This is the perfect environment for nerve tissue, and the end result of neurological recovery. In summary, scaffolding is the implantation of an abiotic material to promote nerve tissue growth. This research is currently being performed by many scientists around the world. This idea can be incorporated to cure MS by, through surgery, scaffolding will be built surronding damaged nerve tissue. This scaffolding will form a sort of sheath around the bodies own nerve tissue, not that different as the myelin sheath to the axon. This scaffolding will regenerate nerve tissue, so when damaged cells fail to transmitt the signal, neighbouring nerve cells will recieve the message and carry it on. This idea will require further research of stem cells and great devolpment in surgical techniques to properly and safely surrond the nerve tissue with scaffolding without causing futher damage.
The second part of curing multiple sclerosis would be to control the immune system. To do this, doctors could mimic the treatment of transplant rejection. After transplants, T-cells will attack the new organ, confusing it for dangerous foreign material. T-cells are the number one reason for the rejection of graft transplants. Medications are used to control the immune system untill the body eventually recognizes this new organ as part of its natural system. The same medications can be used to surpress the T-cells, which cause the lesions on nerve tissue, during relapses. These medications include things such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, and should be administrated in controlled amounts by a certified physician. Another possible cure, is saccharin. Saccharin is an artificial sweetener that helps in suppressing one's immune system. This substance was tested in 1975 on lab rats for some experiment. In the end, it was found out that saccharin suppresses the immune system so much that it could kill a rat. A lot of research, however, has been done proving that saccharin is safe to consume at human levels. It has been around for more than a hundred years and no harm in humans had been discovered. For example, more than thirty human studies have been done on saccharin and it has been proved in the end that it is safe for human consumption. Today, this substance is used as an artificial sweetener in sweeteners like Sweet and Low. For health reasons, the Food and Drug Administration has limited the intake of saccharin to 5 mg/kg of body weight. Since saccharin suppresses the immune system, it can be used to hold back the white blood cells that attack the damaged myelin. The limited intake can also prevent the immune system to be held back for too long. If the aggressive immune system of a person with MS is held back and does not damage the myelin sheaths further, it may help in successful scaffolding.