Pregnancy and multiple sclerosis (MS): a beneficial association. Possible therapeutic application of embryo-specific pre-implantation factor (PIF*).
A typical autoimmune neuro-inflammatory disease (NID), multiple sclerosis (MS), is more prevalent in women than in men. Majority of patients with MS are of child-bearing age; therefore, occurrence in pregnancy is common. Herein, we review proposed disease mechanisms and suggest therapeutic interventions, focusing on the remarkable pregnancy-induced protection against MS - insofar considered as best, albeit temporary therapy for such harsh NID. Current drugs used for MS therapy in pregnancy are described. Role of non-pregnancy-specific agents considered involved in amelioration of disease is also presented. This review highlights pregnancy-derived neuro-protective agents, proposing that unique pregnancy-induced immune-protective environment is because of the conceptus and its direct action. The essential role of pre-implantation factor (PIF) in pregnancy is delineated. Finally, PIF immune-modulatory effects and efficacy in chronic model of neuro-inflammation to reduce inflammation and paralysis coupled with neural regeneration is presented. Overall, we postulate that this embryo-derived-compound holds great promise to improve MS and possibly neuro-inflammation in general.
Yale Women and Children's Center for Blood Disorders, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Michael J
MJ
Paidas
Jack
J
Annunziato
Michael
M
Romano
Lola
L
Weiss
Reuven
R
Or
Eytan R
ER
Barnea
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D010243:Paralysis; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; C569738:preimplantation factor, synthetic