Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
11:35
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
58.7K
Is Obesity a Modifiable Risk Factor in Multiple Sclerosis? Mechanistic Insights into Neuroinflammation and Oxidative
Fani-Niki Varra1,2, Olga Pagonopoulou3, Michail Varras4
1Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Frederick University, Nicosia 1036, Cyprus.
Summary
Obesity exacerbates multiple sclerosis (MS) by promoting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Targeting these pathways with multi-functional compounds may offer new therapeutic strategies for both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Metabolic disorders
- Chronic inflammatory diseases
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a CNS autoimmune disease influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
- Obesity is a chronic inflammatory condition linked to MS pathophysiology.
- Understanding the molecular links between obesity and MS is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the molecular relationship between obesity and MS pathophysiology.
- To elucidate the complex links between obesity and MS at a molecular level.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms connecting obesity and MS.
Main Results:
- Obesity triggers chronic inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), and blood-brain barrier disruption.
- Adipose tissue secretes inflammatory cytokines and adipokines implicated in MS.
- Shared inflammatory pathways link obesity and MS pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for MS through common underlying mechanisms.
- Multi-functional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds show potential for slowing MS progression.
- Targeting shared pathways may offer therapeutic options for both obesity and MS.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
13.3K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.3K
01:24Obesity
1.2K
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
1.2K
03:14Oxidation Numbers
42.2K
In redox reactions, the transfer of electrons occurs between reacting species. Electron transfer is described by a hypothetical number called the oxidation number (or oxidation state). It represents the effective charge of an atom or element, which is assigned using a set of rules.
42.2K
01:12Relative Risk
2.0K
Relative risk (RR) is a statistical measure commonly used in epidemiology to compare the likelihood of a particular event occurring between two groups. This metric is important for evaluating the relationship between exposure to a specific risk factor and the probability of a particular outcome. It plays a crucial role in medical research, public health studies, and risk assessment. Relative risk quantifies how much more (or less) likely an event is to occur in an exposed group compared to an...
2.0K
01:15Pyruvate Oxidation
168.4K
After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
168.4K
01:21Mechanistic Models: Overview of Compartment Models
369
Mechanistic models, a category encompassing both physiological and compartmental modeling, differ from empirical models' approaches to incorporating known factors about the systems being modeled. Empirical models describe data with minimal assumptions, while mechanistic models aim to provide a robust description of available data by specifying assumptions and integrating known factors about the system. Compartmental analysis is a key example of a mechanistic model in pharmacokinetics and...
369