glucosamine

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Glucosamine could have potential in fight against MS

A report published in the December 1 2005 issue of The Journal of Immunology revealed that glucosamine, a natural product shown to be of benefit against arthritis, may also be helpful for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a degenerative disease of the nervous system for which there is currently no cure. Multiple sclerosis is considered to be one of a number of autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body. In MS, this results in inflammation and scarring of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves, leading to central nervous system dysfunction and the characteristic symptoms of the disease.

Researchers at Jefferson Medical College of Jefferson University led by Department of Neurology chair A. M. Rostami, MD, PhD utilized a mouse model of multiple sclerosis called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis for the current research. The animals were given oral, abdominally injected, and intravenous glucosamine in doses comparable to those used for osteoarthritis treatment. Some animals received glucosamine before developing MS symptoms, while others received the compound at the onset of their symptoms. Control groups of mice received no treatment.

The researchers found that glucosamine administered in any manner delayed the onset and progression of symptoms in the animals who received it. When the spinal cords of the mice were examined, those who received glucosamine were found to have less inflammation and less destruction of the myelin sheath compared to untreated animals.

The report concluded, “Because glucosamine functions not simply as an immunosuppressant, but as a mild immunomodulator, administration of glucosamine provides a novel immunoregulatory approach for autoimmune disorders. Dr Rostami explained, “We’ve shown the glucosamine modulates the immune response by producing more TH2 responses, suppressing brain inflammation. At the same time, it suppresses TH1 response.”

He added, “It would be fantastic if glucosamine works in humans because we have a product that has a long track record for safety, and most importantly, can be given orally.”