Multiple Sclerosis (11) Flashcards
A chronic and progressive degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by lesions/plaques in the brain and spinal cord
Multiple sclerosis
What suggests that environmental factors are involved with MS?
Prevalence distribution varies greatly around the world - Temperate areas tend to have higher prevalence rates
compared to tropic areas
Why is the risk of MS said to be multifactorial?
No one cause appears to be sufficient on its own for the development of MS
What suggests that genetic predisposition is a risk factor?
Twin studies
Research on which gene complex is providing evidence of its involvement?
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
Why is geographic latitude a risk factor for MS?
Possibly Vitamin D exposure related
Why are infections a risk factor for MS?
Infectious agents may initiate or maintain the pathological immune response in MS
What is the relationship between mS and pregnancy?
Inflammation, relapse rates, and MS lesion activity typically
decline during pregnancy
What suggests that the gut microbiome influences MS?
Significant differences between the gut bacteria of people with MS vs. those without
What are the 6 main risk factors for MS?
Genetic predisposition, genographic latitude, infections, hormones/pregnancy/menstrual cycle, gut bicrobiome
What is the accepted pathogenic definition of MS?
Autoimmune-mediated inflammatory disorder
What is the target of the inflammatory response?
Myelin sheath of axons
How does the destruction of the myelin sheath generate MS symptoms?
Allows neurons to communicate more rapidly
Action potentials can “jump” over the myelin between each node of Ranvier
Demyelination leads to conduction becoming impaired, delaying the transmission of nerve impulses and creating MS symptoms
Patches of inflammation (scarring) as a result of the autoimmune processes/demyelination
Lesions (plaques)
Patches of inflammation (scarring) as a result of the autoimmune processes/demyelination
Lesions (plaques)