Inflammation, demyelination, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Although axonal loss has been observed in demyelinated multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, there has been a major focus on understanding mechanisms of demyelination. However, identification of markers for axonal damage and development of new imaging techniques has enabled detection of subtle changes in axonal pathology and revived interest in the neurodegenerative component of MS. Axonal loss is generally accepted as the main determinant of permanent clinical disability. However, the role of axonal loss early in disease or during relapsing-remitting disease is still under investigation, as are the interactions and interdependency between inflammation, demyelination, neurodegeneration and neuroprotection in the pathogenesis of MS.

Treatment options for patients with multiple sclerosis who have a suboptimal response to interferon‐β therapy

“…In MS, autoreactive immune cells enter the central nervous system (CNS) and cause localized inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss [21,22]. The pathology manifests as inflammatory lesions evident on CNS magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [21,23].…”

High CRMP2 expression in peripheral T lymphocytes is associated with recruitment to the brain during virus-induced neuroinflammation

“…Thus, immune cells control the spread of viruses and participate in viral clearance. However, T-lymphocytes can mediate inappropriate inflammatory responses, producing multiple cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species that contribute to severe neural tissue injury and CNS dysfunction (Carlson et al, 2006) (Peterson and Fujinami, 2007;Galelli et al, 2000;Giraudon et al, 2004;Lane et al, 2000;Patterson et al, 2003). Considering the importance of viral encephalitis in humans, the homing behavior and functional status of immune cells that infiltrate the virus-infected brain need to be clarified.…”

Mechanisms Involved in the Remyelinating Effect of Sildenafil

“…In MS, inflammation, demyelination and axonal damage are important hallmarks of the pathology (Henderson et al 2009, Lassmann 2014, Peterson and Fujinami 2007. This inflammatory and neurodegenerative nature of MS generates the necessity of the development of treatments that combine immune-modulatory and neuroprotective effects (Aharoni 2010).…”

“…Astrocytes are also able to express pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines (Ludwin et al 2016, Peterson andFujinami 2007).…”