Identification of naturally occurring fatty acids of the myelin sheath that resolve neuroinflammation
Sci Transl Med. 2012 Jun 6;4(137):137ra73.
Lipids constitute 70% of the myelin sheath, and autoantibodies against lipids may contribute to the demyelination that characterizes multiple sclerosis (MS). We used lipid antigen microarrays and lipid mass spectrometry to identify bona fide lipid targets of the autoimmune response in MS brain, and an animal model of MS to explore the role of the identified lipids in autoimmune demyelination. We found that autoantibodies in MS target a phosphate group in phosphatidylserine and oxidized phosphatidylcholine derivatives. Administration of these lipids ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppressing activation and inducing apoptosis of autoreactive T cells, effects mediated by the lipids' saturated fatty acid side chains. Thus, phospholipids represent a natural anti-inflammatory class of compounds that have potential as therapeutics for MS.
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Phosphatidylserine
Re: Phosphatidylserine
This is not a well known supplement but for those of us with MS, a very, very important one that should not be overlooked!
Re: Phosphatidylserine
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Phosphatidylserine Monograph
Altern Med Rev. 2008 Sep;13(3):245-7.
Phosphatidylserine (PS), a ubiquitous, endogenously occurring phospholipid, is the major acidic phospholipid in the brain. PS and other phospholipids make up the basic structural components of the cell membrane. These membrane phospholipids play an important role in cell-to-cell communication and transfer of biochemical messages into the cell, which trigger cellular responses. The proper functioning of these processes is of ultimate importance, especially in the central nervous system. It is theorized that PS enhances cellular metabolism and communication by influencing the fluidity of cell membranes. 1-4 Oral supplementation of PS has been shown to affect neuronal membranes, cell metabolism, and specific neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. 1-4 Numerous clinical trials have established that PS exerts significant benefit for cognition, especially those functions that tend to decline with age, including memory, learning, vocabulary skills, and concentration. 5
Free full text.
Phosphatidylserine Monograph
Altern Med Rev. 2008 Sep;13(3):245-7.
Phosphatidylserine (PS), a ubiquitous, endogenously occurring phospholipid, is the major acidic phospholipid in the brain. PS and other phospholipids make up the basic structural components of the cell membrane. These membrane phospholipids play an important role in cell-to-cell communication and transfer of biochemical messages into the cell, which trigger cellular responses. The proper functioning of these processes is of ultimate importance, especially in the central nervous system. It is theorized that PS enhances cellular metabolism and communication by influencing the fluidity of cell membranes. 1-4 Oral supplementation of PS has been shown to affect neuronal membranes, cell metabolism, and specific neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. 1-4 Numerous clinical trials have established that PS exerts significant benefit for cognition, especially those functions that tend to decline with age, including memory, learning, vocabulary skills, and concentration. 5
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