Fumaric acid could contribute to the fight against multiple sclerosis
According to the MD INDIA Web site reported that fumaric acid salt has been used to treat severe psoriasis. Now, researchers have found that the drug can also help prevent multiple sclerosis (MS). The study, published in the current issue of Neurology "Brain" on.
Ten years ago, Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) in Bochum researchers speculate, because the fumaric acid salt of TH2 polarization mechanism, the drug may be useful for MS.
Now, RUB, a neuroscientist found that fumaric acid salt, the release of the inflammatory process in the removal of free radicals, thus protecting nerve and glial cells.
As psoriasis and MS is an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks the bodys own cells. In MS, the axons insulating myelin layer "has been damaged in this way.
St. Joseph Hospital, Ruhr-University Hospital, Professor Ralf Gold and colleagues have found that fumaric acid salt of the role and resistance to MS "standard drugs" different, its not just based on suppression or regulation of the immune system, but also cleared the release of the inflammatory process destructive oxygen radicals, which support nerve cell survival.
Transcription factor Nrf2 plays a key role in this.
"In this way, fumaric acid as a neuroprotective / anti-oxidants in MS occupies a special place," Gold said.
Under the leadership of the Gold, included 1,200 MS patients an international, placebo-controlled, blinded study of fumaric acid salt BG12 has just been completed.
Assessment is expected in the summer of 2011.
"If you study successful, will be very easy to speculate, fumaric acid antioxidant and has been confirmed MS drugs such as interferon - B together to strengthen the material to form an ideal combination therapy," Gold said.
"In accordance with the current state of knowledge, fumaric acid and interferon without any long-term risk is very important - unlike many powerful modern treatment of MS," he added.