Nutritional bioactive compounds with beneficial effects for multiple sclerosis: Potential implication of...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Molecular Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease causing myelin damage and physical disability.
• Nutritional compounds can influence genes relevant to MS, offering potential benefits.
• G-quadruplexes (G4) are DNA structures regulating gene expression, and some nutrients interact with them.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of nutritional molecules targeting G-quadruplexes (G4) as a therapeutic strategy for multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To investigate the link between G4 structures in MS-related genes and the effects of bioactive nutritional compounds.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and speculation on the interaction of known G4-binding nutritional molecules with G-rich sequences in MS-associated genes.
• Analysis of existing research on nutritional compounds like epigallocatechin gallate, thymoquinone, and curcumin in relation to G4 structures.

Main Results:

• Several genes implicated in MS possess G-rich sequences capable of forming G4 structures.
• Specific nutritional molecules (e.g., epigallocatechingallate, thymoquinone, curcumin) are known to interact with G4 structures.
• These interactions suggest a mechanism by which nutrients could modulate gene expression relevant to MS.

Conclusions:

• Targeting G-quadruplexes (G4) with orally consumed bioactive nutritional molecules presents a novel therapeutic avenue for multiple sclerosis (MS).
• This approach may help improve MS symptoms and slow disease progression by modulating the expression of key genes.
• Further research into G4-targeting nutrients could lead to new dietary interventions for MS management.