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Ian—You may not realize it but this sort of stuff brings out the hormone barker in me. That tree has a lot of limbs. Per the link:

This papers shows that demyelination can be repaired by remyelination in both humans and rodents, and even within the central nervous system remyelination can be achieved by endogenous and/or exogenous Schwann cells, the myelinating cells of the peripheral nervous system.

Guess what hormone seems to help (at least rats and mice) with myelination? Progesterone. I’ve posted much of this before, but maybe it’s time to toss out some of the highlights out again.

Steroid Hormone Signaling Between Schwann Cells and Neurons Regulates the Rate of Myelin Synthesis

Progesterone was capable of increasing the rate of myelin synthesis in Schwann cell/neuronal co-cultures in a dose-dependent manner.

Progesterone and its Metabolites Increase Myelin Basic Protein Expression

We have previously shown that progesterone (PROG) is synthesized by Schwann cells and promotes myelin formation in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). We now report that this neurosteroid also stimulates myelination in organotypic slice cultures of 7-day-old (P7) rat and mouse cerebellum.

Progesterone Increases the Expression of Myelin Basic Protein

It is now widely accepted that progesterone (PROG) brings neuroprotection in lesions of the peripheral and central nervous system.

Editorial Comment: It may be widely accepted but are there any indications it's even recognized in the world of MS research?

Local Synthesis and Dual Action of Progesterone in the Nervous System: Neuroprotection and Myelination

Local synthesis of PROG in the brain and the neuroprotective and promyelinating effects of this neurosteroid offer interesting therapeutic possibilities for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, for accelerating regenerative processes and for preserving cognitive functions during aging.

Progesterone Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury: Effects on Receptors, Neurotrophins, and Myelination

In addition to its traditional role in reproduction, progesterone (PROG) has demonstrated neuroprotective and promyelinating effects in lesions of the peripheral and central nervous systems, including the spinal cord……..Furthermore, PROG-induced BDNF might regulate, in a paracrine or autocrine fashion, the function of neurons and glial cells and prevent the generation of damage.

In the very few bits of information I’ve read about remyelination in people with MS, I’ve yet to encounter a mere mention of the possibility of doing research on progesterone. The researchers seem to be stymied about “remyelination”. It’s my basic understanding that some researchers think people with MS might have some ability to “remyelinate” early in the disease process, but for some unknown reason, that ability evaporates. I think they could at least consider whether or not a decrease in progesterone levels as people age (men and women) might be one of the contributing factors in the inability to “remyelinate”.

Here are a couple of abstracts about aging and myelination.

Steroids and the Reversal of Age-Associated Changes in Myelination and Remyelination

Systemic Progesterone Administration Results in a Partial Reversal of Age Associated Decline in CNS Myelination Following Toxic Induced Demyelination in Male Rats

We also found a significant increase in the proportion of Schwann cell remyelinated axons between 3 and 5 weeks after lesion induction that was not apparent in the control animals. These results indicate that progesterone does not inhibit CNS remyelination and that it has a positive modulating effect on oligodendrocyte remyelination in circumstances where it is occurring sub-optimally.

Even though I know from my perspective you’re a youngster Ian, I did want you to notice that the progesterone “remyelination” had an impact in male rats. It’s another hormone rant I know. I just really wish someone would consider doing research on progesterone and MS. It seems to have some terrific neuroprotective properties, including a possible role in myelination.

Oh, I nearly forgot Progesterone: the Forgotten Hormone in Men

progesterone effects in men include those on the central nervous system

All in all, I certainly think having normal progesterone levels might be a good thing. I didn't have any when I had my hormone levels tested. That's apparently not unusual for someone my age, 59.

Take care everyone

Sharon