MS is a subtle multi-facetted metabolic disease, of a metabolism that lost control. I am sure it involves many pathways, some with rather long time-constants (measured more in years than in months). Neuro-inflammation is considered secondary and consequential, the multiple sclerosis are likewise. Inflammation is caused by impaired cellular nutrition; improved cellular nutrition calms down the (re-active) immune system. Endothelial damage (e.g. ccsvi) is considered a factor that weakens nutritional conditions and instigates inflammation, and it breaks the tissue of the BBB.
One pathway that controls the metabolism is the Fibroblast Growth Factor – 21 (FGF21), the Lean Body Hormone. I am not saying that it is the only but certainly a candidate to be studied further because it brings it all together, because it fits the broader picture that emerges from this thread so neatly. See the other thread on TIMS on the subject: Check this out!!!
http://www.thisisms.com/forum/general-d ... 21659.html
The FGF21 hormone requires the Klotho protein to function; Klotho is needed for FGF21 activation. Vit D increases the Klotho protein. Vit D and FGF21 work in tandem. More functional FGF21 thus would seem to require more Klotho, and more Vit D. The direction of causality is not entirely clear to me, perhaps it is the interaction that makes this a functional complex…
http://lewrockwell.com/sardi/sardi245.html
What is of great interest here is that the FGF/Klotho seems to have a direct path to the myelin biology, both for protecting brain myelin and for promoting repair! In fact, significant effects were found of Klotho on oligodendrocytes function including maturation of OPCs in vitro and myelination. Where perhaps a deficient metabolic pathway would cause some let's say "collateral damage" to our myelin. Wow..
http://www.jneurosci.org/content/33/5/1927.abstract
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/255694.php
The resemblance of the FGF biological action and diabetes 2 (which is also a nutritional issue) is striking. FGF22/Klotho increases through physical exercise (is known as the best therapy for diabetes2), it increases through fasting and starvation (weight loss is also a best therapy for diabetes2), while inflammation decreases FGF21/Klotho (and thus leads to further myelin damage?).
If we consider possible therapeutic options, it becomes even more interesting:
- the Vit D: we know about the potential beneficial effects of Vit D for MS, it has been widely reported;
- and Metformin (we know from diabetes2 and from this thead): reduces blood sugar, arguably it would stimulate FGF21 in human liver cells! Here one could even think of synergetic effects of Vit D (Klotho production) and Metformin (FGF21 production)… The working mechanism of Metformin is unknown. Is it the FGF21 production?
- and IP6 or Inositol Hexaphosphate (equivalent to a low phosphate diet provided in plant foods; in contrast, inorganic phosphorus is prevalent in fast foods) : is this where the secret of the Walsh diet lies?
The metabolism is highly complex, the direction of causality is often unclear, vicious circles and interaction may complicate matters further. I think the acronym MS stands more for Metabolic Syndrome than for Multiple Sclerosis which I consider an effect on the fringes. Where the key for our problem lies somewhere in the endocrinological space between:
- GLUT functioning, high RBC ATP for MS, low RBC ATP for diabetics;
- the VDR and its heterodyme connection to the RXR and transcription activity;
- FGF21 hormone/Klotho protein/Vit D complex.
I think we need a new all-encompassing theory on cellular nutrition and inflammation. And possibly we need a critical look at food safety and the food pyramid.