Recent studies published in the journal Glia have revealed important connections between what we eat and how multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses. The research, led by Patrizia Casaccia, who is the founding director of the Advanced Science Research Center at CUNY Graduate Center’s Neuroscience Initiative and an Einstein Professor of Biology and Biochemistry at the same center, investigated the roles of certain enzymes known as ceramide synthase 5 and 6. These enzymes contribute to the harmful effects of a diet high in palm oil on neurons in the central nervous system, which in turn worsens MS symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant damage to the myelin sheath that insulates nerves throughout the body. While current therapies aim to manage the immune system response, the specific factors that lead to neurodegeneration in MS are not well understood. Previous research from Casaccia’s lab and others has indicated that high-fat diets can intensify MS symptoms. This latest study investigates how diets high in palm oil can negatively impact neuronal health.
Neuroprotection Against Palm Oil Toxicity
Through experiments using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, which simulates inflammatory demyelination, the team found that high palm oil diets resulted in more severe disease in mice.
“We hypothesized that inside neuronal cells, palm oil is transformed into a harmful substance known as C16 ceramide by specific enzymes CerS5 and CerS6,” explained principal investigator Casaccia. “This ceramide damages mitochondria, depriving neurons of the energy they require to combat brain inflammation. Thus, we investigated whether turning off these enzymes could protect neurons.”
The findings showed that genetically removing CerS5 and CerS6 from neurons could prevent neurodegeneration in the experimental MS model.
“This was true even when the mice consumed a diet high in palmitic acid,” noted Damien Marechal, co-first author and research associate with the Casaccia Lab. “This new insight highlights a particular metabolic pathway through which dietary fats may exacerbate MS symptoms.”
Importance for MS Patients and Healthcare Providers
The implications of this research are substantial for individuals with MS, as well as for healthcare professionals treating these patients and scientists studying the disease. The results emphasize that lifestyle choices, notably diet, can significantly influence the progression of MS. This study advances prior ideas about the importance of dietary choices in managing MS symptoms while also pointing to specific molecules that may help mitigate the impact of diet on symptom severity.
“Our research sheds light on the molecular mechanisms by which we can protect neurons from the harmful substances generated by palm oil,” said Casaccia. “We aim for this information to empower patients to make educated dietary choices that could influence their disease positively, while also identifying methods to counter the actions of CerS5 and CerS6 specifically in neurons.”
This research was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
