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Multiple sclerosis Special coagulation factors possible triggers of MS
So far, the causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the human organism were largely unclear. Together, researchers from the Universities of Duisburg-Essen, Münster and Würzburg have now established a connection between the blood clotting system and the development of MS in humans. This could be the decisive breakthrough in what causes multiple sclerosis (MS) in humans, the researchers report.
Multiple sclerosis is a relatively widespread disease of the central nervous system, but its cause remains unclear. In the mouse model, a possible connection with the coagulation factor XII was first established a few months ago, which the scientists have now examined in a human study. The researchers published their findings in the journal "Annals of Neurology".
Certain coagulation factors seem to play a significant role in MS and could also open new therapeutic approaches. (Image: ag visual / fotolia.com) MS mainly affects young adults
In particular, young adults are more affected by the inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. "For Germany alone, one assumes about 140,000 patients," the scientists report. The disease often progresses quickly in spurts. However, little progress has been made in research on disease cause identification and treatment in recent years. "Hundred setbacks come to a success," according to the announcement of the University of Duisburg-Essen. All the more surprising was the joint discovery of neuroimmunologists of the University hospitals Essen, Münster and Würzburg.
Clotting factors of high importance
The research group had already demonstrated the role of coagulation factor XII in the development of MS in the mouse model a few months ago. In their current study, the scientists were able to show that "even in sick people, these and other coagulation factors are very significant," reports the University of Duisburg-Essen. This seems to be an important step in the search for the triggers of the disease in the human organism.
Decisive engine of inflammatory processes
The discovered coagulation factors are "with high probability the decisive engines of the harmful inflammatory process, which gradually attacks and destroys the central nervous system of those affected", stresses Professor Dr. med. Christoph Kleinschnitz, Director of the Neurological Clinic of the Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen at the University Hospital Essen.
Several coagulation factors in MS increased
The current study looked at "how healthy people and patients with neuroimmunologic diseases differ in different coagulation factors," explains Dr. Kerstin Göbel from the University Clinic for General Neurology in Münster. The scientists found that "where inflammatory processes take place, not only is factor XII elevated." In the blood of patients with relapsing-remitting MS, "the level of the two coagulation factors prothrombin and FX is also higher than in healthy people."
Coagulation factors offer new treatment approaches
The results of the researchers suggest that coagulation factors significantly promote the inflammatory processes in neurological diseases and open up in the opinion of the Münster research group leader Professor. Dr. Sven Meuth also new approaches to treatment. The coagulation factors are ideal targets, "which could take up possible future therapies," added Prof. Kleinschnitz. In mice, the researchers have already successfully tested the use of the active ingredient Infestin to block coagulation factor XII. The current study results have now been proven that the coagulation factors could also be suitable as a target structure for MS therapies in humans, the researchers concluded. (Fp)