Bad gut health key driver in triggering inflammation

The cells that line the inside of the gut – known as intestinal epithelial cells – may play a key role in triggering inflammation that drives multiple sclerosis (MS), a study showed.

The study found that these cells can activate a type of T-cell known as Th17 cells. These pro-inflammatory immune cells then travel to the brain and spinal cord to induce inflammation.

Blocking this gut-based immune activation decreased disease severity in a lab model of MS, suggesting this immune pathway may be a valuable therapeutic target in MS.

‘While current therapies for MS often target B cells, our study highlights the gut as an important therapeutic site,’ Shohei Suzuki, MD, PhD, first author of the study and assistant professor at Keio University in Japan, said in a university press release.

MS is marked by inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, collectively known as the central nervous system. The underlying causes of MS are not fully understood, but a growing body of evidence suggests that disruptions in the composition of gut microbes (known as the gut microbiota) may play a role in MS.

‘Increasing evidence shows that the gut microbiota influences neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and MS,’ said Tomohisa Sujino, PhD, associate professor at Keio University and the study’s lead author. ‘However, the mechanisms linking gut microbes, intestinal immunity, and brain inflammation remain unclear. We were keen to identify how gut immune responses contribute to neuroinflammatory diseases.’

The scientists speculated that this newly uncovered biological pathway may be a key target for new MS treatments.

‘Modulating the intestinal microbiota or antigen-presenting activity of [intestinal epithelial cells] represents new approaches to treating autoimmune neurological diseases,’ Suzuki said.

Protecting and nurturing the gut in MS patients is recognised as a key way to manage inflammation. ‘Leaky gut’ can trigger immune responses which can worsen MS symptoms.

Avoiding processed foods, eating a Mediterranean and high fibre diet and adding fermented food into the diet are all recommended.

Read more about Diets and Supplements in our helpful Choices booklet, or take an in-depth look at further symptoms of MS here