A recent study has identified two specific species of gut bacteria that appear capable of helping to trigger the immune response involved in multiple sclerosis (MS), a debilitating neurological condition for which there is currently no cure.
While researchers caution that this does not mean a single cause for MS has been discovered, the findings from Germany's Max Planck Institute could offer a significant new piece in understanding the disease and potentially lead to new methods of prediction, prevention, or treatment.
The study, published in the U.S. journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focused on twins where one sibling had MS and the other did not. By examining bacteria in stool and small intestine samples, researchers identified two bacterial species, Eisenbergia tayi and Lachnoclostridium, that were present only in the twins diagnosed with MS. When these bacteria were administered to mice, the animals developed MS-like symptoms.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between the gut microbiome and the development of autoimmune diseases. The gut's microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms, is increasingly understood to play a crucial role in overall health, including immune system function.
MS affects approximately one million people in the U.S. and three million worldwide. It impacts the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as vision loss, fatigue, balance problems, and in severe cases, paralysis. The prevalence of MS has been increasing, with a 2023 study noting a rise in cases across the U.S. between 2010 and 2017. Doctors have also observed a concerning trend of more young people being diagnosed with the condition, which affects women at two to three times the rate of men.
Experts suggest that the immune system's reaction to certain gut bacteria might inadvertently target myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, which is attacked in MS. This is because some components of these bacteria can resemble parts of the body's own nerve cells.
Beyond gut bacteria, other known risk factors for MS include smoking, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. Researchers emphasize that MS is a complex disease resulting from an interplay of genetic, immune, and environmental factors.
While it is too early to offer specific dietary advice targeting particular bacteria, health professionals recommend general steps to promote gut health. These include adopting a varied diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits, and vegetables, while avoiding ultra-processed foods that are high in refined sugars and chemical additives. Foods such as sodas, sugary juices, mass-produced breads and pastries, instant ramen, ready-made frozen meals, and reconstituted meats like hot dogs and chicken nuggets are often cited as examples to limit. Maintaining a healthy weight, especially during adolescence, has also been linked to a reduced risk of developing MS later in life.
Professor Ruth Dobson of Queen Mary University of London stated that understanding the causes of MS is important for patients and could lead to earlier identification and potential prevention strategies. The research into gut bacteria offers a promising avenue for future therapeutic interventions.
Becky Lee, who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 2023 after experiencing symptoms for years, highlighted the subtle signs she initially dismissed. Her experience underscores the complexity of recognizing the early stages of the disease.
