Diet mimicking fasting promotes regeneration and reduces autoimmunity and multiple sclerosis symptoms

Cell Rep, 2016 · DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.009 · Published: June 7, 2016

Immunology Neurology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the effects of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) on multiple sclerosis (MS). The research shows that periodic cycles of a 3-day FMD can reduce demyelination and alleviate symptoms in a mouse model of MS. The FMD appears to work by reducing inflammation and promoting the regeneration of cells that produce myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. The FMD also led to positive changes in immune cells and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory substances. Preliminary data from a pilot study suggest that an FMD or a ketogenic diet may be safe and potentially effective for people with relapsing-remitting MS. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

60 RRMS patients and mice

Evidence Level

Randomized pilot trial and preclinical study

Key Findings

1
FMD cycles reduced disease severity in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for MS, and reversed symptoms in some animals.
2
The FMD promoted oligodendrocyte precursor cell regeneration and remyelination in axons, suggesting it can both suppress autoimmunity and promote myelin repair.
3
A pilot trial in relapsing-remitting MS patients indicated that FMD and ketogenic diets are safe, feasible, and potentially effective in improving health-related quality of life.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that periodic cycles of a fasting mimicking diet (FMD) can ameliorate demyelination and symptoms in a murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. The FMD reduced clinical severity in all mice, and completely reversed symptoms in 20% of the animals. These improvements were associated with increased corticosterone levels and Treg cell number, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TH1 and TH17 cells, and antigen presenting cells (APCs). Preliminary data suggest that a FMD or a chronic ketogenic diet are safe, feasible and potentially effective in the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic potential for MS

FMD cycles may offer a novel therapeutic approach for managing MS by targeting both autoimmune responses and promoting myelin repair.

Dietary intervention strategy

The study suggests that dietary interventions, particularly FMD, could be a safe and feasible strategy to improve the quality of life for RRMS patients.

Further research needed

Larger, randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of FMD and ketogenic diets in MS patients, including MRI analyses and blinded clinical assessments.

Study Limitations

1
Preliminary data from a pilot study
2
The lack of a proper Mediterranean diet control makes it difficult to establish whether the FMD cycles alone are sufficient for these effects
3
Further studies including analyses such as MRI, blinded clinical assessments, an appropriate control diet, and immune assays are required to determine efficacy

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