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I'm not very scientific but I did read that Calpain is a mediator of myelin breakdown so maybe this will be a promising avenue for research.


A novel calpain inhibitor for the treatment of acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.Hassen GW, Feliberti J, Kesner L, Stracher A, Mokhtarian F.
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, USA.

Aberrant activation of calpain plays a key role in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders. Calpain is increasingly expressed in inflammatory cells in EAE and is significantly elevated in the white matter of patients with multiple sclerosis, thus calpain inhibition could be a target for therapeutic intervention. The experiments reported here employed a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-induced disease model in C57Bl/6 mice (EAE) and a novel calpain inhibitor, targeted to nervous tissue. CYLA was found to reduce clinical signs of EAE and prevent demyelination and inflammatory infiltration in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Oral administration of the diacetal prodrug was equally effective.

PMID: 17007940 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Scooby

Interesting that

calpain inhibition could be a target for therapeutic intervention.

There is some research suggesting estrogen is a calpain inhibitor.
Estrogen Attenuates Calpain Activation and Apoptosis (SCI)

We conclude that estrogen may inhibit cell death in SCI through calpain inhibition.

The same info in a more readable news release.
Estrogen Could Be Used to Stem Paralysis

Banik said the research, which is up for renewal next year, shows promise for the millions of men and women worldwide who suffer disabilities and paralysis as a result of spinal cord injuries.

I'm still optimistic about the potential of hormones to help manage MS, even though this is SCI research.

Sharon

Sharon, it's so obvious that hormones play a part and like you I hope that they figure out a way to use them to help us.