The Beneficial and Debilitating Effects of Environmental and Microbial Toxins, Drugs, Organic Solvents and Heavy Metals on the Onset and Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system is common amongst young adults, leading to major personal and socioeconomic burdens. However, it is still considered complex and challenging to understand and treat, in spite of the efforts made to explain its etiopathology. Despite the discovery of many genetic and environmental factors that might be related to its etiology, no clear answer was found about the causes of the illness and neither about the detailed mechanism of these environmental triggers that make individuals susceptible to MS. In this review, we will attempt to explore the major contributors to MS autoimmunity including genetic, epigenetic and ecological factors with a particular focus on toxins, chemicals or drugs that may trigger, modify or prevent MS disease.

Gliotoxin Aggravates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Triggering Neuroinflammation

“…The etiology of MS is still unknown, but there is strong evidence that environmental factors, including infections, can trigger or aggravate the disease. Part of the harmful effects of microbes on MS have been attributed to toxins that are derived from bacteria, including staphylococcal, clostridium, and pertussis toxins, and also derived from fungi, such as Aspergillus toxins and food-associated mycotoxin ochratoxin A, which is pointed out in a recent review [15]. In the present work, we evaluated the effect of GTX in EAE, which is a murine model to study MS.…”

“…The belief that fungi play an important role in MS is emerging [14,15]. MS resolution by antifungal therapy [41,42] comprises a strong evidence that supports fungi major contribution to this disease.…”

<p>Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis Activate Natural Killer Cells: Do They Protect Against COVID-19 Infection?</p>

“…Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune-mediated disorder that is likely to affect the central nervous system (CNS) including the brain and spinal cord. 74 The pathogenesis of this disease is related to the attacks of the myelin sheath that covers the nerve fibers by the immune system, leading to nerve demyelination. 75,76 These immune cells are activated in the periphery by myelin antigens followed by the extravasation of CD4 + , CD8 + , B, macrophages and NK cells into the CNS.…”

<p>Targeting Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Multiple Sclerosis and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis</p>

“…1 There are four key pathological characteristics of MS: (a) inflammation, that is proposed to be the essential cause of most of the events of CNS tissue damage; (b) demyelination, the trademark of MS, in which the myelin sheath or the oligodendrocyte cell body is damaged through the inflammatory process; (c) axonal loss or impairment; and (d) gliosis (astrocytic response to CNS damage). 1,2 MS is a long-lasting disease that can influence the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. 3 It can cause impairment in vision, balance control, muscle control, and other essential body functions.…”