A Novel, Low Cost Treatment for PNS Neurodegenerative Diseases: Ascorbic Acid

Overview

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by nerve impulse conduction anomalies and neuronal degeneration. Demyelination, a degenerative process that erodes away the myelin sheath which protects nerve cells, is often the underlying cause. Myelin production is orchestrated by the Schwann cell which wraps itself around the axon of the neuron and produces the protective myelin. Myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG), a myelin maintenance molecule, and collagen, a component of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) are critical for healthy myelination. Interestingly, studies have shown that patients with demyelinating diseases have decreased levels of ascorbic acid in their blood serum. There is scant research investigating ascorbic acid’s role in the myelination process, along with its mechanism in the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, this research examines the relationship between exogenous ascorbic acid application, collagen synthesis, and the upregulation of MAG in a Schwann - neuronal cell co-culture model. Data suggests that ascorbic acid application increases myelin by 210% (p<0.001), MAG by ~121% (p<0.05) and collagen by 494% (p<0.001) and decreases stress related signaling, compared to the control after a 7- day preventative co-culture model. Furthermore, a regression model was developed to predict the amount of myelin, and by extension, likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative disease based on potential biomarkers which can be measured non-invasively. Through this potential early diagnosis method, preventative treatment can be administered to those at high risk. This research suggests that ascorbic acid may represent a means by which the myelin sheath is maintained, both as a treatment and a prevention in demyelinating diseases.

Competition history

• JSHS 2020 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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