Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple Sclerosis Attacks, Study Suggests

[Guest guest]

Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple Sclerosis Attacks, Study

Suggests

ScienceDaily (Sep. 30, 2011) — A glucosamine-like dietary supplement

suppresses the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis,

according to a UC Irvine study.

UCI's Dr. Demetriou, Ani Grigorian and others found that oral

N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), which is similar to but more effective than the

widely available glucosamine, inhibited the growth and function of abnormal

T-cells that in MS incorrectly direct the immune system to attack and break down

central nervous system tissue that insulates nerves.

Study results appear online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Earlier this year, Demetriou and colleagues discovered that environmental and

inherited risk factors associated with MS -- previously poorly understood and

not known to be connected -- converge to affect how specific sugars are added to

proteins regulating the disease.

" This sugar-based supplement corrects a genetic defect that induces cells to

attack the body in MS, " said Demetriou, associate professor of neurology and

microbiology & molecular genetics, " making metabolic therapy a rational approach

that differs significantly from currently available treatments. "

Virtually all proteins on the surface of cells, including immune cells such as

T-cells, are modified by complex sugar molecules of variable sizes and

composition. Recent studies have linked changes in these sugars to T-cell

hyperactivity and autoimmune disease.

In mouse models of MS-like autoimmune disease, Demetriou and his team found that

GlcNAc given orally to those with leg weakness suppressed T-cell hyperactivity

and autoimmune response by increasing sugar modifications to the T-cell

proteins, thereby reversing the progression to paralysis.

The study comes on the heels of others showing the potential of GlcNAc in

humans. One reported that eight of 12 children with treatment-resistant

autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease improved significantly after two years of

GlcNAc therapy. No serious adverse side effects were noted.

" Together, these findings identify metabolic therapy using dietary supplements

such as GlcNAc as a possible treatment for autoimmune diseases, " said Demetriou,

associate director of UCI's Multiple Sclerosis Research Center. " Excitement

about this strategy stems from the novel mechanism for affecting T-cell function

and autoimmunity -- the targeting of a molecular defect promoting disease -- and

its availability and simplicity. "

He cautioned that more human studies are required to assess the full potential

of the approach. GlcNAc supplements are available over the counter and differ

from commercially popular glucosamine. People who purchase GlcNAc should consult

with their doctors before use.

Lindsey Araujo and Dylan Place of UCI and Nandita N. Naidu and Biswa Choudhury

of UC San Diego also participated in the research, which was funded by the

National Institutes of Health and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

[Guest guest]

I'm watching this thread, and hoping someone will comment on its

legitimacy.

I suppose it shouldn't matter all that much since it's simple and

inexpensive to add a supplement to one's regimen.

>

> Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple Sclerosis Attacks,

Study Suggests

>

>

> ScienceDaily (Sep. 30, 2011) A glucosamine-like dietary supplement

suppresses the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis,

according to a UC Irvine study.

>

>

> UCI's Dr. Demetriou, Ani Grigorian and others found that oral

N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), which is similar to but more effective

than the widely available glucosamine, inhibited the growth and function

of abnormal T-cells that in MS incorrectly direct the immune system to

attack and break down central nervous system tissue that insulates

nerves.

>

> Study results appear online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

>

> Earlier this year, Demetriou and colleagues discovered that

environmental and inherited risk factors associated with MS --

previously poorly understood and not known to be connected -- converge

to affect how specific sugars are added to proteins regulating the

disease.

>

> " This sugar-based supplement corrects a genetic defect that induces

cells to attack the body in MS, " said Demetriou, associate professor of

neurology and microbiology & molecular genetics, " making metabolic

therapy a rational approach that differs significantly from currently

available treatments. "

>

> Virtually all proteins on the surface of cells, including immune cells

such as T-cells, are modified by complex sugar molecules of variable

sizes and composition. Recent studies have linked changes in these

sugars to T-cell hyperactivity and autoimmune disease.

>

> In mouse models of MS-like autoimmune disease, Demetriou and his team

found that GlcNAc given orally to those with leg weakness suppressed

T-cell hyperactivity and autoimmune response by increasing sugar

modifications to the T-cell proteins, thereby reversing the progression

to paralysis.

>

> The study comes on the heels of others showing the potential of GlcNAc

in humans. One reported that eight of 12 children with

treatment-resistant autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease improved

significantly after two years of GlcNAc therapy. No serious adverse side

effects were noted.

>

> " Together, these findings identify metabolic therapy using dietary

supplements such as GlcNAc as a possible treatment for autoimmune

diseases, " said Demetriou, associate director of UCI's Multiple

Sclerosis Research Center. " Excitement about this strategy stems from

the novel mechanism for affecting T-cell function and autoimmunity --

the targeting of a molecular defect promoting disease -- and its

availability and simplicity. "

>

> He cautioned that more human studies are required to assess the full

potential of the approach. GlcNAc supplements are available over the

counter and differ from commercially popular glucosamine. People who

purchase GlcNAc should consult with their doctors before use.

>

> Lindsey Araujo and Dylan Place of UCI and Nandita N. Naidu and Biswa

Choudhury of UC San Diego also participated in the research, which was

funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Multiple

Sclerosis Society.

>

[Guest guest]

Found this article that explains more about the supplement.... Lynne

http://www.thehealthyvillage.com/diet-and-nutrition/supplements/glyconutrient-n-\

acetyl-glucosamine.html

What is the Glyconutrient N-acetyl Glucosamine?

The glyconutrient n-acetyl glucosamine, otherwise known as NAG, while

essential to human life, is not available in our diet. It has to be

synthesized within our bodies from one of the other essential sugars:

glucose.

Chemistry is a wonderful and mysterious subject to many, and there is

frequently confusion amongst laymen between the various derivatives of a

specific substance. NAG is not the same as glucosamine and neither is it

chitin, as some websites would have you believe. Chemically, NAG is the

acetylated derivative of glucosamine, and we shall be discussing here the

benefits of NAG to the human body, and not of glucosamine which is also

essential to human biochemistry. NAG is produced in the body using

glucosamine as the raw material.

Chitin is the hard substance that makes up seashells and insect carapaces

and is formed from units of n-acetyl glucosamine. It is therefore a

polysaccharide, and no more NAG than ethylene is the same as polyethylene

(one a gas, the other a plastic solid). The two should not therefore be

confused. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is the first stage in the

formation of NAG, and both offer their own specific benefits to our health

and should not be confused.

NAG can then be further synthesized by the body to produce glycolipids and

glycoproteins that are the messaging substances that sit on the surface of

human cells to identify them from other types of cell, and also from

interlopers that have to be dealt with by the immune system. NAG is

therefore an essential component of the immune system that affects the

health of everybody. This association of monosaccharides and amino sugars

with the basic life processes has only recently been established, and is not

yet fully understood.

In fact, human understanding of the human immune system has a long way to

go, and more is being found as investigation continues. It was not expected

that what had previously been regarded as unhealthy sugars that did nothing

other than form fat would be found to be critical elements of the human

immune system by which we live and die.

This amino sugar is formed in the body from glucose and the amino acid

glutamine. Amino sugars are not only involved in the immune system, but also

are absolutely essential to the structure of the basic building blocks of

our bodies: the human cells. Not only are they involved in the structure of

the cell surfaces and membranes, but also in the glue that holds the cells

together.

N-acetyl glucosamine, and its precursor, glucosamine, are monosaccharides as

glucose, mannose and fucose are, but they are what are termed

amino-monosaccharides. They are combinations of monosaccharides and amino

acids. NAG is only one of three such amino sugars that are essential to

human life. Without them we could not exist.

Fortunately, the body normally gets sufficient raw materials to produce

these amino sugars. In the case of NAG they are the amino acid glutamine,

which is available in abundance since it is synthesized in the body from

readily available raw materials, and glucose that is a sugar common in the

average human diet. This amino sugar is specifically beneficial in the

regeneration of cartilage and alleviation of the inflammation of our

joints.

N-acetyl glucosamine is specifically beneficial in the treatment of

osteoarthritis, the progression of which it can slow down, or in some cases

even stop. It appears to do this by the stimulation the metabolism of

cartilage cells, and also of the synovial tissue: the connective tissue that

surrounds the joints.

This is because NAG is found in the exoskeleton of shellfish, it may cause

reactions in people who are allergic to them. And, although there are no

known reports of its toxicity, use NAG cautiously, and only after consulting

a physician.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should always consult with a doctor before

starting any new supplementation. While a recommended daily dosage for NAG

has not been set, we recommend, for safety, that you limit yourself to lower

dosages.

As you age, your skin dries out and tends to sag. There is a class of

material called mucopolysaccharides that can retain water and maintain

elasticity in your skin. However, as aging progresses, the ability of your

body to produce these saccharides reduces and so your skin loses its

moisture. This causes it to dry out and lose its vitality. If you take NAG

as a supplement, then you can delay this effect since the glucosamines are

effective in generating these mucopolysaccharides.

N-acetyl glucosamine has only one natural source, and it is not part of our

diet. NAG can be obtained from the exoskeletons or shells of sea creatures

such as crabs and lobsters. If you have a fish allergy then you have a

problem with respect to this source of NAG supplementation. In such a case,

the chemical can also be produced synthetically. There is no normal dietary

source.

The natural source of this amino sugar is internal. As stated earlier, the

body produces it from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Glucose is

freely available in the normal human diet, and generally a deficiency is

unlikely. However, where it is believed that a supplement is needed, then it

is likely best taken as part of a balanced combined glyconutrient supplement

in which the eight essential sugars are available in the proportion that

would normally be required.

Although there are dietary sources for many of these, and the others may be

synthesized by the body’s biochemistry, circumstances such as major surgery,

stress and normal aging can result in an impairment of the production of

these essential products. Environmental toxins can also block the body’s

biochemistry process. The conversion of amino acids and glucose to amino

sugars is a complex and lengthy process, and can be bypassed by the use of a

supplement.

The glyconutrient n-acetyl glucosamine is not only responsible for the

effective operation of the immune system In combination with the other

essential monosaccharides, but also possess a number of unique properties

that enable it to help to maintain healthy joints and protect against many

connective issue conditions.

About the Author

More information on N-acetyl

glucosamine<http://vitanetonline.com/description/SN0146/vitamins/N-A-G-500-mg/>

can

be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of NAG

supplements are available.

On Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 7:22 AM, BERNARD WINDHAM wrote:

> Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple Sclerosis Attacks, Study

> Suggests

>

>

> ScienceDaily (Sep. 30, 2011) — A glucosamine-like dietary supplement

> suppresses the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis,

> according to a UC Irvine study.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I would be interested in trying this supplement but over the years I have tried

so very many supplements without feeling that any linked to improvement and

concerns that they are not natural and possibly harmful. I still take some of

the basics like Vitamin D3.

 

I certainly would be curious if anyone tries this supplement and notes

changes/improvements/declines. At this point, I am just not wanting to add

another supplement to my 2 huge boxes of supplements that are sitting around.

 

Thanks

Subject: Re: Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple Sclerosis

Attacks, Study Suggests

To: mscured

Date: Monday, October 3, 2011, 8:09 AM

 

I'm watching this thread, and hoping someone will comment on its

legitimacy.

I suppose it shouldn't matter all that much since it's simple and

inexpensive to add a supplement to one's regimen.

[Guest guest]

Like Pamela, I also thought there was a study posted that N-A-G improved MS

symptoms? Can anyone clarify this further?

[Guest guest]

N-A-G is on my next iHerb purchase list which will be bought within the next wk

or so and I will be reporting what happens as things eventuate.

'What we do in life, echoes through eternity.'

MARCUS AURELIUS (121 - 180 A.D.)

To: mscured

From: zoehealthy@...

Date: Sat, 8 Oct 2011 12:01:39 -0700

Subject: Re: Re: Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple

Sclerosis Attacks, Study Suggests

I would be interested in trying this supplement but over the years I have

tried so very many supplements without feeling that any linked to improvement

and concerns that they are not natural and possibly harmful. I still take some

of the basics like Vitamin D3.

I certainly would be curious if anyone tries this supplement and notes

changes/improvements/declines. At this point, I am just not wanting to add

another supplement to my 2 huge boxes of supplements that are sitting around.

Thanks

[Guest guest]

I tried this a while ago but only for a couple of months and it did

nothing.Janet

To: mscured

From: zoehealthy@...

Date: Sat, 8 Oct 2011 12:01:39 -0700

Subject: Re: Re: Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple

Sclerosis Attacks, Study Suggests

I would be interested in trying this supplement but over the years I have

tried so very many supplements without feeling that any linked to improvement

and concerns that they are not natural and possibly harmful. I still take some

of the basics like Vitamin D3.

I certainly would be curious if anyone tries this supplement and notes

changes/improvements/declines. At this point, I am just not wanting to add

another supplement to my 2 huge boxes of supplements that are sitting around.

.

[Guest guest]

I take magnesium malate and it completely took my muscle spasms away.

>

>

> I tried this a while ago but only for a couple of months and it did

nothing.Janet

> To: mscured

> From: zoehealthy@...

> Date: Sat, 8 Oct 2011 12:01:39 -0700

> Subject: Re: Re: Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple

Sclerosis Attacks, Study Suggests

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> I would be interested in trying this supplement but over the years I

have tried so very many supplements without feeling that any linked to

improvement and concerns that they are not natural and possibly harmful. I still

take some of the basics like Vitamin D3.

>

>

>

> I certainly would be curious if anyone tries this supplement and notes

changes/improvements/declines. At this point, I am just not wanting to add

another supplement to my 2 huge boxes of supplements that are sitting around.

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[Guest guest]

Hi Sheri Ann,

I would also be interested to know how much and when you take Magnesium Malate.

I have been looking into getting some of this for my wife, Sandi.

Sandi has been using a Mg chelate but I have read good things about the Malate

esp. for neuropathic pain.

Cheers,

Pinda

>

>

> I take magnesium malate and it completely took my muscle spasms away.

[Guest guest]

I take 325 mg twice a day. once in the morning and then before I go to bed. I

have not had leg spasms in 2 months.

To: mscured

Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 2:55 PM

Subject: Re: Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple Sclerosis

Attacks, Study Suggests

Â

Hi Sheri Ann,

I would also be interested to know how much and when you take Magnesium Malate.

I have been looking into getting some of this for my wife, Sandi.

Sandi has been using a Mg chelate but I have read good things about the Malate

esp. for neuropathic pain.

Cheers,

Pinda

>

>

> I take magnesium malate and it completely took my muscle spasms away.

[Guest guest]

I'm gathering that this too is an old post?N-A-G is supposed to help 'MS'

symptoms.

'What we do in life, echoes through eternity.'

MARCUS AURELIUS (121 - 180 A.D.)

To: mscured

From: zoehealthy@...

Date: Sat, 8 Oct 2011 12:15:25 -0700

Subject: Re: Re: Glucosamine-Like Supplement Suppresses Multiple

Sclerosis Attacks, Study Suggests

Like Pamela, I also thought there was a study posted that N-A-G improved

MS symptoms? Can anyone clarify this further?