involved in the attack on
the brain and spinal cord in
MS—stimulate proteins that
increase osteoclasts, resulting
in too much bone removal.
High levels of these proteins
have been found in people with
MS, even in the early stages
of the disease, indicating that
T cells may be affecting bone
as well (Multiple Sclerosis
2008;14:431).
On the other hand, cells that
suppress the immune attack in
MS may improve bone health.
For example, Tregs—regulatory
T cells that can “put down”
attacking T cells in MS—
actually prevented bone
loss in animal models of
arthritis (Biochemical
and Biophysical Research
Communications
2010;402:173).
People with MS should think
about protecting bone health
when they are first diagnosed.
The science of MS
and bone health
when they are first diagnosed
with the disease.
by Sara Bernstein
We’ve long known that multiple sclerosis takes its
toll on the nervous and immune
systems, and that decreased
activity or corticosteroid
treatments related to MS can
reduce bone density, too. But
now, new research shows that
MS itself affects bone health.
Study: Bone affected early
In 2011, a team from Oslo
University Hospital
measured bone density in
99 people newly diagnosed
with MS, or with clinically
isolated syndrome (CIS),
a first episode of MS-like
symptoms. They compared
the results with those from
159 controls without MS
and also administered a
questionnaire concerning
risk factors for osteoporosis
(a disease that causes bones
to thin).
More than half of
the people with MS
or CIS had low bone
mass, compared with
B79/VEER
37.1 percent of control
participants, even after
adjusting for other possible
risk factors. (Neurology
2011;77:151). The authors
conclude that these
findings call for people
with MS to think about
protecting bone health
What causes early bone
loss in MS?
To understand how early bone
loss may happen in MS, we
need to understand a little about
how bones are formed. Two cells
are primarily responsible for
this process: osteoblasts, which
help to build bone tissue, and
osteoclasts, which remove it, to
control the amount of bone that
is formed.
Recent findings indicate
that T cells—immune cells
Taking care of your bones
Why is this research
important? It shows us
the urgency of taking
care of your bones along
with your MS. You can
build healthier bones
by avoiding things that
cause bone loss (smoking,
alcohol consumption)
and embracing things
that increase bone density,
such as calcium and
vitamin D intake and
exercise (weight bearing,
flexibility or resistance
activities). Read more at
nationalMSsociety.org/
osteoporosis. n
