Recent research has uncovered a significant molecular connection between vitamin B12 and multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically targeting astrocytes in the brain. This study shows that fingolimod, a drug approved by the FDA for MS, plays a role in managing B12 communication channels, suggesting that B12 supplementation could be beneficial in treating MS. The source of this information is SciTechPost.com.
The research identifies a molecular signaling pathway that could improve existing MS treatments.
For years, there has been a noticeable similarity between the effects of a lack of vitamin B12 – a crucial nutrient for the growth and proper functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) – and the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic condition where the immune system attacks the CNS, leading to neurodegeneration.
Both a shortage of vitamin B12 and MS lead to similar neurological symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in extremities, loss of vision, difficulties in walking or speaking, and cognitive issues, including memory problems.
Discovery of a Molecular Connection
Published on December 8, 2023, in Cell Reports, a new study by researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys and their collaborators presents a newly discovered molecular connection between vitamin B12 and MS occurring in astrocytes, which are critical glial cells in the brain.
The research team, led by Jerold Chun, M.D., Ph.D., and Yasuyuki Kihara, Ph.D., proposes innovative approaches to enhance MS treatment through CNS-targeted B12 supplementation.
Chun explains, “The interaction of the brain’s vitamin B12 transport protein, transcobalamin 2 or TCN2, with the MS drug fingolimod, provides a mechanistic link between B12 signaling and MS, aimed at reducing neuroinflammation and potentially neurodegeneration.”
He adds, “Enhancing brain B12 levels with fingolimod or similar compounds could improve both current and future MS treatments.”
Insights from the Study
The researchers, along with collaborators from various universities, focused on the role of FTY720 or fingolimod (Gilenya®), a drug that modulates the S1P receptor and suppresses immune cells that mistakenly attack MS patients’ brains.
Using an animal model of MS and human post-mortem brains, the team discovered that fingolimod regulates B12 communication pathways by affecting a B12 receptor, CD320. This receptor is essential for absorbing and utilizing B12 when it’s attached to TCN2, the protein that distributes B12 in the body, including the CNS. This interaction, particularly within astrocytes, was also observed in human MS brains.
The study highlights that reduced CD320 levels or limited dietary B12 worsen MS in animal models and decrease the effectiveness of fingolimod. The mechanism involves fingolimod binding to the TCN2-B12 complex, facilitating its delivery to astrocytes through interactions with CD320. Any loss in this process aggravates the disease.
These findings underscore the potential benefits of B12 supplementation, especially for delivering the vitamin to astrocytes in the brain, and suggest that fingolimod can correct the impaired astrocyte-B12 pathway in MS patients.
The research indicates that other S1P receptor modulators, like Mayzent®, Zeposia®, and Ponvory®, might also utilize this CNS mechanism. The study supports the combination of B12 supplementation with S1P receptor modulators to improve the efficacy of these drugs.
Additionally, the study reveals new insights into how the B12-TCN2-CD320 pathway is influenced by sphingolipids, particularly sphingosine, a structural analog of fingolimod. Chun notes that this discovery supports the development of brain-targeted B12 formulations and may lead to new treatments for other neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.
Reference: Chun et al. (2023) in Cell Reports discuss the importance of vitamin B12-TCN2-CD320 signaling in astrocytes for reducing MS disease in an animal model. The study was supported by numerous institutions and grants, including the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the NIH and various foundations and training programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vitamin B12 Multiple Sclerosis Study
What is the key finding of the recent study on Vitamin B12 and Multiple Sclerosis?
The study reveals a novel molecular link between vitamin B12 deficiency and multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically involving astrocytes in the brain. It demonstrates that the FDA-approved MS drug fingolimod can regulate B12 communication pathways, suggesting the potential of B12 supplementation in MS treatment.
How does the study connect Vitamin B12 with Multiple Sclerosis treatment?
The research identified a molecular signaling pathway in which fingolimod, an MS drug, interacts with B12 communication channels. This discovery opens up new possibilities for enhancing MS treatment through CNS-targeted B12 supplementation.
What are the neurological symptoms common to both Vitamin B12 deficiency and Multiple Sclerosis?
Both Vitamin B12 deficiency and Multiple Sclerosis can lead to similar neurological symptoms, such as numbness or tingling in hands and feet, vision loss, difficulty walking or speaking normally, and cognitive dysfunction, including memory problems.
What role does fingolimod play in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis according to this study?
Fingolimod, an S1P receptor modulator, has been found to suppress neuroinflammation in MS by regulating B12 communication pathways. It interacts with the B12 receptor CD320, essential for absorbing and utilizing B12, thereby improving the effectiveness of MS treatment.
How might this study impact future treatments for Multiple Sclerosis?
The study suggests that augmenting brain B12 levels with fingolimod or similar compounds could enhance both current and future MS therapies. It also opens new avenues in understanding the B12-TCN2-CD320 pathway, potentially leading to novel treatments for other neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.
More about Vitamin B12 Multiple Sclerosis Study
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Research on Vitamin B12 and MS
- Cell Reports Study Publication
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- FDA Information on Fingolimod
4 comments
its amazing how they found the connection between B12 and MS. incredible research by Sanford Burnham Prebys.
wow this is really groundbreaking stuff, vitman B12 can be a game changer for MS treatment!!
should be interesting to see if this leads to new treatments, hopefuly it does, MS patients could really benefit.
i’m not a scientist but this seems complicated? how does fingolimod exactly work with vitamin B12