Novel Non-Invasive Therapy for Blood Brain Barrier Dysfunction in MS
Funding Amount
$50,000
Affiliation(s)
University of Saskatchewan
Geographic Region(s) / Province(s)
Saskatchewan
Researcher(s)
Research Priorities
Repair/Remyelination
Impact Goal(s)
Understand and Halt Disease Progression
Summary:
In MS, the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB) can become dysfunctional, allowing harmful immune cells to enter and cause damage to the brain.
Dr. Valerie Verge and team are studying acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), a non-invasive therapy that has shown promise in reducing inflammation and promoting repair of damaged myelin in a mouse model of progressive MS. This new study will explore whether the beneficial effects of AIH is due to the restoration of normal BBB function.
The findings of this research will provide additional evidence for the potential of AIH to be developed as a novel therapeutic strategy for people with MS.
Project Description:
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective layer of cells that shields the brain from harmful substances like immune cells, bacteria, and viruses. In MS, the associated brain inflammation weakens the BBB causing it to be dysfunctional and allowing harmful immune cells to enter the brain, which in turn cause damage to myelin and neurons.
Previous work by Dr. Valerie Verge and team discovered a promising non-invasive therapy called acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), which delivers short, controlled periods of reduced oxygen. In a mouse model of progressive MS, they found that treatment with AIH reduced inflammation, improved remyelination and restored function. The exact mechanisms by which AIH exerts its beneficial effects remain unknown. In this study, the researchers will use mice with acute progressive MS (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis or EAE) to investigate whether AIH’s effects are a direct result of BBB repair and restoration of normal function.
Potential Impact: The outcomes of this research will further inform AIH’s therapeutic potential for treating MS. If AIH is found to be effective in pre-clinical models of MS, it could be further developed as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy to promote repair and improve the disease course for people living with MS.
Project Status: In Progress
This research is funded in partnership with Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and MS Canada.