thanks, Sharon. Great read.
The cost in misery, morbidity and mortality for humans in these trials cannot be measured. Even 15 years ago, Gulcher et al. commented: “it could be argued that over the years the autoimmune hypotheses have been harmful to a considerable number of patients” [19]. Given such data, as has been presented in this article, it is very difficult to understand why this theory of the pathogenesis of MS has monopolized MS research.
A closer relationship between the laboratory and the clinic, and alternate viewpoints on the prime pathology, the association of MS with diseases of Schwann cells, are needed. The vast and growing literature on trophic factors and molecular development abnormalities operating locally and distally holds potential rewards. It is clear that modern research should move away from the autoimmunity theory and look to the exciting advances in glial cell research and in the cristopathies.
Schwann cell disease and peripheral neuropathy is also linked to chronic venous insufficiency and ulceration in the legs.
cheer
