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Around 10,000 people in Austria suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a disease whose exact cause remains unclear. “It is very likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. But there is no individual 'MS gene’”, said Karl Vass from the University Department of Neurology at the MedUni Vienna to mark the occasion of International MS Day on Wednesday.

In two studies which featured considerable involvement of the MedUni Vienna, the role of the MHC gene has now been confirmed in the development of multiple sclerosis, and it has been discovered that the diagnostic procedures used for adults are also effective for children.

Multiple sclerosis in children is rare. Five per cent of all cases of MS start at a very young age. It is usually teenagers who are affected. Says Vass: “This may be due to the development of autoimmunity during puberty.” ... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... ageid/1347

This next quote sums up the insanity of MS research.
Basing the autoimmune theory of a disease on a genetic link which occurs in 4% of the patients....the MHC gene. And then rationalizing the administration of immune altering drugs to children, based on this correlation.

This study also demonstrated the importance of the MHC gene in the development of the disease. Says Vass: “This gene is only involved in around four per cent of patients, however.” Nevertheless, this finding represents an important step towards identifying the genes that influence the onset of the condition.

Unless it is this gene which I am lacking: I recall that in my high school biology class lesson on genetic traits all of the students chewed a special piece of paper treated to identify those students who carried the dominant gene (the G version of the TAS2R38 gene) which would allow them to taste the bitter flavor of PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) I could not taste it. Sensitivity to this taste is due almost entirely to a single gene. I was unable to taste the bitter flavor, apparently I am lacking this gene. Do you suppose that many people with MS are lacking this gene? Can you taste bitterness?

“It is very likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors"

Genetics + Environmental factors = Epigenetics. The road less traveled.

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