Dietary Supplement May Halt Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc), a readily available dietary supplement, may suppress the autoimmune response that is the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS). Dr Michael Demetriou, associate professor of neurology and microbiology & molecular genetics at University of California, Irvine (UCI) and associate director of UCIs Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, and colleagues studied the effect of oral GlcNAc on a mouse model of MS. The mice had already developed leg weakness. Results showed that GlcNAc suppressed T-cell hyperactivity and autoimmune response by correcting a genetic defect that induces the cells to attack the central nervous system. Treatment with GLcNAc prevented the leg weakness from progressing to paralysis. "Together, these findings identify metabolic therapy using dietary supplements such as GlcNAc as a possible treatment for autoimmune diseases," said Demetriou. "Excitement about this strategy stems from the novel mechanism for affecting T-cell function and autoimmunity – the targeting of a molecular defect promoting disease – and its availability and simplicity."