Anti-aging and Anti-inflammatory Dietary Interventions in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Nutritional Science
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by relapses and progressive disability.
• Current disease-modifying therapies primarily target peripheral immune cells, showing limited efficacy against the chronic progressive aspect of MS.
• While genetic and viral factors contribute to MS, obesity and gut dysbiosis are identified as potentially modifiable risk factors influencing disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of diet on the course of multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To review nutritional interventions studied in MS and animal models.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms, including the influence on gut microbiota.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating dietary patterns and nutritional interventions in MS.
• Analysis of mechanisms linking diet, gut microbiota, oxidative stress, aging, and inflammation in MS pathogenesis.
• Examination of data from both human MS patients and relevant animal models.

Main Results:

• Dietary patterns are emerging as significant factors influencing MS risk, disease activity, and progression.
• Obesity and gut dysbiosis are modifiable risk factors that impact MS pathogenesis and disease course.
• Diet influences key biological processes including metabolic health, gut microbiota composition, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic dietary interventions show promise for promoting healthy aging and managing neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in MS.
• Understanding the diet-microbiota-host axis is crucial for developing effective nutritional strategies in MS management.
• Modulating diet represents a viable approach to potentially alter MS progression and improve patient outcomes.