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Scientists discovered two types of gut bacteria that may help trigger multiple sclerosis (MS). By studying identical twins (one with MS, one without), they showed gut microbes—not genetics—likely play a role. This could lead to new treatments targeting the “gut-brain axis” to prevent or manage MS.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering (called myelin) around nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This damage gets in the way of how the brain communicates with the rest of the body, which can cause trouble with things like walking, balance, coordination, and even thinking or remembering things clearly.
Key Facts About MS:
- Affects more than 2.8 million people globally
- More common in women than men
- Typically diagnosed between ages 20 and 50
- MS commonly causes symptoms like severe fatigue, muscle weakness, vision problems, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
While genetic predisposition is a known risk factor, the exact environmental triggers of MS have remained elusive—until now.
The Gut-Brain Axis: A New Frontier in Autoimmunity
The gut and the brain are closely connected, constantly sending signals back and forth through what scientists call the gut-brain axis. This link doesn’t just affect digestion and mood—it also helps regulate the immune system. Lately, researchers have found more and more clues that the gut microbiome—the huge community of bacteria living in our intestines—might actually play a role in setting off autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
Previous research has shown that:
- People with MS have a different mix of gut bacteria compared to those without the disease.
- When scientists transferred gut bacteria from people with multiple sclerosis into healthy mice, the mice started showing signs similar to MS.
- Certain bacterial metabolites can either promote or suppress inflammation in the CNS.
However, until now, specific bacterial strains responsible for initiating MS were not clearly identified.
