Could Toxic Gut Bacteria Be the Answer to New MS Therapies?

Image by Nicoletta Barolini – check out her images on: https://www.nicolettabarolini.com/

Advanced Science Research Center (City University of NY) made an amazing discovery that may change the course of life for multiple sclerosis patients down the road. The Graduate Center researchers identified “high levels of three toxic metabolites produced by gut bacteria in…samples of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients” that were not found in the control group. This follow-up study to previous gut studies found MS patients have an “imbalance of gut microbiota,” prompting the belief that medications focusing on the gut may be the key to more successful treatment plans.

Patients with MS seem to “produce and release large amounts p-cresol-sulfate, indoxyl-sulfate and N-phenylacetylglutamine into the bloodstream,” said Hye-Jin Park, an author of the study. These toxins are thought to cause damage to the nerve-protecting myelin sheath.

And the news gets even better! MS patients on dimethyl fumarate (DMF) had significantly fewer metabolites in their gut than other MS patients. The researchers compared gut data of patients before they began DMF and after. They found a reduction in the toxins in these patients. This is great news because it allows researchers to hone their treatment plans by targeting these toxic gut bacteria. I have no doubt further studies will be on the horizon soon. Check out the article, “Scientists Identify Gut-Derived Metabolites that Play a Role in Neurodegeneration.”

WMFO Schedule – “Joyce the Voice” on Wednesday afternoon – January 12, 2022 show

Catch Me on “Joyce the Voice” radio show out of Medford, Massachusetts on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. eastern time. Joyce and I will discuss my new book, The Call of the Last Frontier which includes my twenty-year journey in remote Alaska while managing multiple sclerosis with limited access to medical. To listen live, click on “Listen Now” at www.wmfoschdule.org or listen later by searching the broadcast schedule and clicking on the “Joyce the Voice” show on Wednesday afternoon. Joyce is a former Alaska resident who read my book and loved it. We should have a fun time walking down memory lane together.

Melissa L. Cook’s memoir, *The Call of the Last Frontier* – available on Amazon at affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3zK9Tby

Catch up with me in Wyoming or Montana for a presentation on my life in remote Alaska. Books will be available for purchase and signing. If you have already purchased a book and want me to sign it, bring it along. Come and join me for the fun! If you don’t live in my area and would like a book, check out my author webpage at: www.MelissaCook.us. Bookclubs who read The Call of the Last Frontier can schedule a video appearance with me to discuss my story at no charge through my webpage.

January 11, 2022, at the Cody Library in Wyoming from 6:00-7:30 p.m. – “Author Talk Brings Alaska Adventure to Park County Libraries” posted by Park County Libraries

January 19, 2022, at the Powell Library in Wyoming from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

January 22, 2022, at the Billings Library in Montana from 1:00-2:00 p.m. – “Author Visit” & “Author Event with Melissa Cook” (Instagram)

February 1, 2022, at the Lovell Library in Wyoming from 6:00-7:30 p.m.