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Updated: Jul 27, 2025
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Feeding the gut microbiome: impact on multiple sclerosis
Matteo Bronzini1, Alessandro Maglione1, Rachele Rosso1
1Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Italy.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial neurological disease characterized by chronic inflammation and immune-driven demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). The rising number of MS cases in the last decade could be partially attributed to environmental changes, among which the alteration of the gut microbiome driven by novel dietary habits is now of particular interest. The intent of this review is to describe how diet can impact the development and course of MS by feeding the gut microbiome. We discuss the role of nutrition and the gut microbiota in MS disease, describing preclinical studies on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and clinical studies on dietary interventions in MS, with particular attention to gut metabolites-immune system interactions. Possible tools that target the gut microbiome in MS, such as the use of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics, are analyzed as well. Finally, we discuss the open questions and the prospects of these microbiome-targeted therapies for people with MS and for future research.
Insights
Diet significantly impacts multiple sclerosis (MS) by altering the gut microbiome. Understanding these gut-brain axis interactions offers new therapeutic avenues for MS management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Microbiome Research
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic CNS inflammatory and demyelinating disease.
- Environmental factors, including diet-induced gut microbiome changes, are increasingly linked to MS prevalence.
- The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in MS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of diet on the gut microbiome and its influence on MS development and progression.
- To explore the interplay between nutrition, gut microbiota, and immune system responses in MS.
- To analyze microbiome-targeting therapies for MS.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models.
- Analysis of clinical studies on dietary interventions in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Examination of gut metabolites and their interaction with the immune system.
Main Results:
- Dietary habits alter gut microbial composition, influencing MS pathology.
- Gut metabolites produced by microbial activity modulate immune responses relevant to MS.
- Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics show potential as therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Diet and gut microbiome modulation are critical factors in managing MS.
- Targeting the gut microbiome offers promising therapeutic strategies for MS.
- Further research is needed to optimize microbiome-based interventions for MS patients.
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