N-acetyl-glucosamine suppresses autoimmune attack

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[lef.org]

 

N-acetyl-glucosamine suppresses autoimmune attack

 

A report published online this month in the Journal of Biological

Chemistry described the finding of assistant professor of neurology

Michael Demetriou at the University of California Irvine Center for

Immunology and his colleagues that N-acetylglucosamine, a form of the

commonly used arthritis supplement glucosamine, suppresses the growth

and function of abnormal T-cells responsible for autoimmune attack in

multiple sclerosis and diabetes type 1. The cause of autoimmune disease

is not completely understood, but is believed to be the result of

interactions between inherited risk and environmental exposure.

Using mouse models of the two diseases, Dr Demetriou & rsquo;s team

discovered that by modifying T-cell proteins, the sugar

N-acetylglucosamine prevents T-cell hyperactivity that results in

autoimmune attack on brain myelin and the insulin-producing cells of the

pancreas.  Preventing this attack of the body on itself protects

against the development of paralysis in multiple sclerosis as well as

elevated glucose in diabetes. 

 

& ldquo;This finding shows the potential of using a dietary supplement to

help treat autoimmune diseases, & rdquo; Dr Demetriou commented.

& ldquo;Most importantly, we understand how this sugar-based supplement

inhibits the cells that attack the body, making metabolic therapy a

rational approach to prevent or treat these debilitating

diseases. & rdquo;

Another recent study found improvement in 75 percent of children with

treatment-resistant autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease who received a

two year course of N-acetylglucosamine.  & ldquo;Together, these

findings identify metabolic therapy using dietary supplements such as

N-acetylglucosamine as potential treatments for autoimmune

diseases, & rdquo; Dr Demetriou stated. & ldquo;Excitement for this

treatment strategy stems from the novel mechanism for affecting T-cell

function and autoimmunity and the availability and simplicity of its

use. However, additional studies in humans will be required to assess

the full potential of this therapeutic approach. & rdquo;

 

Health Concern

Multiple sclerosis

 

For reasons that remain a mystery, the immune systems of people who have

MS attempt to destroy the body's own myelin. Specifically, a type of

white blood cell called a T-cell becomes sensitized against myelin

self-antigens. These sensitized T-cells secrete various inflammatory

mediators (including tumor necrosis factor, cytokines, and

prostaglandins) that eventually strip away myelin and damage supportive

cells, thereby incapacitating or destroying the axon (Kidd PM 2001). MS

is thus an inflammatory autoimmune demyelinating disease.

 

Supplements that have been studied in animals and people with MS

include:

Vitamin D & mdash; 1000 international units (IU) daily

EPA/DHA & mdash;3000 to 4000 milligrams (mg) daily of fish oil concentrate

GLA & mdash; 1000 to 3000 mg daily of high GLA oil

DHEA & mdash; 15 to 75 mg daily (Have blood tested in 3 to 6 weeks to

maintain optimal levels.)

NAC & mdash; 600 mg daily with 1800 mg of vitamin C

Vitamin E & mdash; 400 IU daily

CoQ10 & mdash; 100 to 300 mg daily

Lipoic acid (preferably R-dihydro lipoic acid) & mdash;300 mg daily

Vitamin B12 & mdash; 5 to 40 mg daily in the form of sublingual

methylcobalamin tablets

 

http://www.lef.org/protocols/

neurological/multiple_sclerosis_01.htm