This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

Bob,
As a direct descendant of the "Viking gene", I'm not sure of it's relevancy to MS, but if you ever met my father you would see that it is as good as anything to blame.
Lars

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Since Terry began the red hair thread, and I brought Melanocortin 1 receptor into the mix...I felt kinda responsible to see if anyone else in the research world is looking into this connection.

Here's an interesting paper re: MS and MC1R from 2003

http://www.direct-ms.org/pdf/GeneticsMS/Friedman.pdf

There's a section on how MC1R mediates j-opioid analgesia..which made me think of how LDN is helpful for many MSers.

I looked into R and D in drug companies. There are several companies developing drugs using melanocortin receptor research, but the drugs are for obesity, erectile disfunction, skin cancers and sleep issues. Much more money in these drugs. What else is new? The few companies that had MS in their original prospecti have not continued with the R and D.

I still believe the MC1R irregularities in MS can be mitigated with balanced bio-identical hormones, vitamin D, sensible sunshine, good nutrition and rest. That's not a cure, but it's the best we've got in 2008.

AC

I'm glad it aligns, Bob. But why do you think it has to be more than one gene?

I still believe the MC1R irregularities in MS can be mitigated with balanced bio-identical hormones, vitamin D, sensible sunshine, good nutrition and rest. That's not a cure, but it's the best we've got in 2008

Cheer, my problem is never knowing what to take. At one point, I was sure I should be taking iron because mine is low. I mentioned it to my doc and he said not to take any. "Oxidative effect", he said. My supplement tray in the fridge is very small.

Terry-
Do you have a doc that will check your blood levels for you? Look into your serum levels for D and B, as well as minerals, copper, iron, and uric acid.
Iron deficiency has been implicated in MS. You don't have to take a pill, you can eat foods rich in iron- raisins, prunes, broccoli, asparagus, beans and seafood. I don't feel qualified to address his oxidative effect comment, but I know anemia is not good for MS.

Search Jimmylegs name as author on this site, and read all of her amazing research on vitamins and supplements. Read up on Swank and best bet diets. I've got my husband's program under the regimen thread. Everyone's program will be different. Nutritional deficiencies are often found in MSers. It's a matter of learning about your own body-
best with this,
AC

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At the risk of becoming Bob's sidekick I agree 100%.

It's woods/trees.

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Bob,
Humor, remember humor and how good it is for your health. Take a break
Lars

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MC1R is NOT the Viking gene
MC1R is NOT the VIKING gene.
(was that loud enough?)

The "viking gene" is a protein coding gene, specifically a collagen type IV gene, linked to Finland. Only SOME people have it.

MC1R is a protein found in EVERY living being. Even dogs, cats and lab rats have MC1R. MC1R is what regulates skin and hair color.

In 1995 a landmark study demonstrated that over 80% of humans with red hair or fair skin have a dysfunctional variant of the Mc1r gene. People who get basal cell or melanoma also have a dysfunctional variant (like Dom's Dad and my husband) They are not necessarily related to Erik the Red. (see illustration)

http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v11/n3 ... 0FC96080A0

There is a difference between studying a dysfunction in protein processing and how that relates to a disease like MS, as opposed to genetic profiling.

I don't think I can be any more clear...
and now I'm done with red hair.
Thanks for the diversion, Terry!
AC

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Glad you've calmed down a bit Bob, I was worried for your blood pressure for a while – are you sure that's not a red headed temper you've got there?
Just wanted to clear something up: it has never been suggested that this Viking gene originated in Finland, only that it became extremely concentrated in the small community in the Ostrobothnia region, from where it became widely disseminated by the Vikings who reached North America centuries before Columbus and whose empire stretched all the way to India and China. It just got its name from this, that's all, and could be a widespread variant in the entire human population – perhaps even the one that makes us respond badly to modern living – so you don't have to be Thor's grandson to have it… just as you don't have to live on the Iberian Peninsula to catch Spanish 'flu,

Nenu,
Here's the link to Robbie's pictures thread you asked for:
http://www.thisisms.com/ftopic-2668-day ... asc-0.html