Neuroinflammation and Multiple Sclerosis Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to neuroinflammation and multiple sclerosis based on the lecture notes.

Neuroinflammation

Inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

A protective barrier that maintains CNS homeostasis and prevents immune cells from reaching the brain tissue.

Microglia

The resident macrophages of the CNS that play crucial roles in immune defense and tissue homeostasis.

Gliosis

A reactive process in the CNS involving the activation and proliferation of glial cells in response to injury.

Oligodendrocytes

Cells that produce myelin in the CNS, crucial for insulating nerve fibers.

Demyelination

The loss of the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers, characteristic of diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states, including diseases like MS.

Acute Neuroinflammation

A short-lived inflammatory response in the CNS often due to infections or acute injuries.

Chronic Neuroinflammation

Long-lasting inflammation in the CNS that can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration in the CNS.

Symptoms of MS

Can include visual disturbances, weakness, pain, sensory deficits, and cognitive issues.

Pathophysiology

The study of the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury.

Remyelination

The process of re-establishing the myelin sheath around axons after damage.

TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha)

A pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and essential in the neuroinflammatory response.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)

An important cytokine in immune responses, particularly those related to neuroinflammation.

Epidemiological factors associated with MS

Include genetic predispositions, environmental factors like sunlight exposure, and infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus).

Clinical Isolated Syndrome (CIS)

A first clinical presentation of MS that may eventually progress to multiple sclerosis.

Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)

The most common form of MS, characterized by episodes of neurological worsening followed by recovery.

Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)

A form of MS characterized by a gradual worsening of neurological function from the onset.

Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)

A subsequent phase of MS that may follow an initial relapsing-remitting course, often characterized by a steadier progression of disability.

Lesions in MS

Demyelinated plaques in the white or grey matter of the CNS, indicative of the disease.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis

A diagnostic test used to examine CSF for oligoclonal bands and other markers indicative of MS.

Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)

A scale used to measure the disability level in patients with MS.

GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein)

A protein that indicates the activation of astrocytes and thus gliosis in the CNS.

Oligoclonal Bands

Bands of immunoglobulins found in the CSF that are indicative of inflammatory activity in the CNS, often seen in MS.

Complement proteins

Proteins that assist in the immune response by labeling pathogens for destruction; involved in MS pathology.

Autoreactive T cells

T cells that attack the body’s own tissues, implicated in autoimmune diseases like MS.

Neurite

A general term for any projection from the cell body of a neuron, including axons and dendrites.

Neurodegeneration

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons.

CNS Homeostasis

The balance of the physiological conditions necessary for normal brain function and health.

Astrogliosis

The proliferation of astrocytes in response to CNS injury, contributing to gliosis.

Cytokines

Signaling proteins that modulate immune and inflammatory responses.

Chemokines

A subset of cytokines that specifically induce chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells.

Neurotoxic

Substances that are destructive to nerve tissue.

White Matter Axonal Loss

The degeneration of nerve fibers in the white matter, commonly observed in MS.

B-cells

Lymphocytes that produce antibodies and play a role in immune responses, significant in the context of MS.

T-Lymphocytes

A type of white blood cell that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity and is involved in MS pathology.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

A virus linked to an increased risk of developing MS after infection.

Genetic Predisposition

An inherited genetic susceptibility to develop certain diseases, such as MS.

Meninges

The protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, involved in barriers and immune responses.

Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)

A treatment that involves transferring fecal bacteria from a healthy donor to a patient, explored in MS for gut health.

Akkermansia muciniphila

A species of bacteria linked to gut health, with changing levels noted in MS patients.

Integration of Environmental Factors

The consideration of environmental exposures that might interact with genetic predispositions to influence MS risk.

Immunosuppressive Therapies

Treatments designed to reduce the immune response, used in MS management.

Inflammatory Cytokines

Cytokines that promote inflammation and are involved in driving autoimmune reactions in diseases like MS.

Clinical Manifestations

The visible signs and symptoms of a disease, such as those presented by MS.

Node of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath where ion channels are concentrated, crucial for fast electrical signaling along axons.

Treatment Strategies for MS

Interventions aimed at managing symptoms or slowing disease progression, such as disease-modifying therapies.

Autoimmunity

An abnormal immune response against normal, healthy tissues in the body.

T-helper Cells

A type of T-cell that helps regulate the immune response; involved in the pathogenesis of MS.

Spheroids

Aggregates of cells, such as those potentially formed in MS brain pathology.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A technique used to visualize structures within the body, important for diagnosing and monitoring MS.

Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs)

Cells involved in the formation of myelin, offering potential for repair mechanisms in MS.

Pathological Features of MS

The structural and cellular abnormalities associated with the disease, including lesions and inflammation.

Immune-mediated damage

Damage caused by immune responses directed at the body's own tissues, as seen in autoimmune diseases.

Subpial Lesions

Cortical lesions located just beneath the pia mater, associated with more severe MS pathology.

Local Immune Response

Immune activity occurring at a specific site, like the CNS in MS, contributing to local tissue alterations.

Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

A subtype of T cell that kills cancer cells, cells infected with viruses, or damaged cells.

T-cell Receptors

Molecules on T cells that recognize specific antigens, crucial for triggering immune responses.

Myelin Sheath

The insulating layer surrounding axons made by oligodendrocytes, essential for proper nerve signal conduction.