The National Institute of Health has recently discovered additional genetic links to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The findings of the two studies conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) may be useful in developing new treatment for the condition.

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Myelin, a fatty tissue, surrounds and protects the central nervous system nerves. In Multiple Sclerosis this protective covering is lost. Because myelin makes the transmission of electrical impulses possible along the nerves, the loss of myelin makes electrical impulses traveling to and from the brain impossible, which leads to the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis exhibit different symptoms, and may experience different symptoms at different periods of time. Some symptoms people with MS may experience include vision problems, difficulty problem-solving, memory problems, bladder dysfunction, depression, spasticity, pain, difficulty walking, dizziness, bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, numbness or a "pins and needles" feeling, and fatigue.

Researchers believe the cause of MS consists of environmental and genetic factors. In the 1970s scientists discovered that human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), proteins that help the immune system distinguish itself from its non-self, are linked to MS. More specifically, HLA-DRB1, a variant of HLA is linked to the increased chance that an individual will develop MS.

The most recent research sponsored, in part, by the National Institute of Health has linked other genes to Multiple Sclerosis. Both studies examined samples of DNA for single nucleotide polymorphisms, which are single letter variations in DNA. The studies examined DNA samples from individuals affected with and unaffected with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States and Europe.

One study discovered that a single nucleotide polymorphism located in the gene interleukin 7 receptor alpha (IL7R-alpha) was linked to MS while the other study found two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL2R-alpha) is linked to the development of MS. IL2R-alpha has been associated with the development of type I diabetes prior to this research. Both genes found to be associated with the development of MS are known to control the way in which T cells patrol the human body for bacteria.

Finally the researchers determined that the single nucleotide polymorphisms found in the two genes increase a person's likelihood of developing Multiple Sclerosis by 20-30%.

With the new discovery of two more genes that are associated with Multiple Sclerosis, scientists may be able to develop new treatment options for individuals who suffer with this condition.

To read the details of the study, visit the National Institute of Health.