Iron deposition and inflammation in multiple sclerosis. Which one comes first?
2011

Iron and Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis

Commentary Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Robert Zivadinov, Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, Istvan Pirko

Primary Institution: Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, University at Buffalo

Hypothesis

Is iron deposition a cause or a consequence of inflammation in multiple sclerosis?

Conclusion

The study suggests that inflammation may occur independently of iron deposition in multiple sclerosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Inflammatory cell infiltrates were found to be associated with perivascular iron deposits.
  • Iron deposits were observed predominantly in mice with the experimental model of multiple sclerosis.
  • The study suggests that iron deposition may not be necessary for the development of inflammatory responses.

Takeaway

This study looks at whether iron buildup in the brain causes inflammation in multiple sclerosis or if inflammation causes the iron buildup. It finds that inflammation can happen without iron buildup.

Methodology

The study used an animal model of multiple sclerosis to investigate the relationship between inflammation and iron deposition.

Limitations

The study does not fully exclude the possibility that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency may contribute to increased iron deposition.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2202-12-60

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