This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

2020 Jul
Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section of Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Bacterial Peptidoglycan as a Driver of Chronic Brain Inflammation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32589935/

Abstract

Peptidoglycan (PGN) is a cell wall component of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Signature fragments of PGN are proinflammatory through engagement of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) on resident tissue cells and circulating leukocytes. Despite its abundance in the gut microbiota, there is limited recognition that PGN could contribute to chronic neuroinflammation. This review highlights current insights into the roles of PGN as a determinant of brain inflammation, notably in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models. Recent studies demonstrate PGN in blood of healthy adult humans. PGN amplifies autoimmune pathology via activation of innate immune cells. Novel uptake routes through (altered) gut mucosa by myeloid leukocyte subsets promote PGN transport to the brain.

Hi,

This topic might be more useful than it first appears. A significant amount of a peptidoglycan is made up of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) (see- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peptidoglycan) . The peptidoglycan is a critical part of why bacteria can make us unwell. It is critical to their structure. As the note points out, penicillin works by cross-linking with it to disrupt its function. If you take NAG as a supplement for your sore knees etc, you are actually feeding any bacterial pathogen at the same time. When you are already in an inflammatory state, you are just asking for trouble by supplementing with NAG as any opportunistic bacteria is assisted by its enhanced availability. I'd stay away from glucosamine as a supplement.
Regards