Iranian scientists discover direct relation of MS, diet

TEHRAN, Sep. 21 (MNA) – Iranian scientists in Lund University have discovered a direct relation between MS and food. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and renders the brain ineffective in sending messages to the rest of the body. Though we know relatively little about multiple sclerosis. Recently, it has been discovered that MS not only affects the brain tissue but also the intestinal system. This significant discovery by an Iranian scientist can be a new clue toward discovering methods to treat this disease. In an exclusive interview with Mehr News Agency, Dr. Sharam Lavasani, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, Lund University, explained about this recent discovery. When did you begin your studies on MS and the intestinal system, and what led you to focus on the intestines of patients with MS? It has been 10 years since we started this project. From the very beginning we have been conscious of the fact that one should not be totally focused on tissues attacked by the immune system. What we have learned from MS so far is that the immune system is attacked which causes the loss of the insulating myelin sheath. Thus, the transmission of signals from the brain to the various organs is impaired. In the past, there have always been speculations about the intestinal system as being affected by MS and now we have been able to present evidence for it. But until now it has been thought that genetics is mostly responsible for MS? Yes, for a long time genetics was held solely responsible for causing MS, and much research has been done into it; yet, no one has been able to prove that gene