80 | id == 80
80 | category_id == 5
80 | category_order == 3
80 | category_name == Inflammation
80 | category_color == #C47AC0
80 | slug == STAT3-Multiple-Sclerosis
80 | title == Could This Gene Play A Role In Multiple Sclerosis? (STAT3)
80 | meta_description == STAT3 variants may be associated with the risk and severity of multiple sclerosis. Read on to find out where your genes stand!
80 | summary == <p style="text-align:justify"><strong>The <em>STAT3</em> gene is involved in fine-tuning the immune response. In the case of multiple sclerosis, <em>STAT3</em> may promote the development of Th17 cells and the transport of T-cells across the blood-brain barrier. Genetic variants that change how the&nbsp;<em>STAT3</em>&nbsp;gene works may influence the risk and severity of multiple sclerosis, although the association is weak. Read on to learn more about your variants for this gene!</strong></p>
80 | overall_score_text == Your Multiple Sclerosis score (based on STAT3 gene)
80 | image == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/background/STAT3_Inflammation_Multiple_Sclerosis_post_image.jpg
80 | author_id == 12
80 | author_name == Carlos Tello
80 | author_title == PhD
80 | author_order == 55
80 | author_photo == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/author-photo/CarlosTello.webp
80 | author_intro == <p><strong>Carlos received his PhD and MS from the Universidad de Sevilla.</strong></p>    <p>Carlos spent 9 years in the laboratory investigating mineral transport in plants. He then started working as a freelancer, mainly in science writing, editing, and consulting. Carlos is passionate about learning the mechanisms behind biological processes and communicating science to both academic and non-academic audiences. He strongly believes that scientific literacy is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid falling for scams.</p>
80 | author_social_media_name == linkedin
80 | author_social_media_icon == https://sd-selfdecode-assets-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/social-icon/linkedin.png
80 | author_social_order == 1
80 | author_social_link == https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-tello-lacal-b946b4a7/
80 | reviewer == None
80 | medical_reviewer_id == 11
80 | medical_reviewer_name == Puya Yazdi
80 | medical_reviewer_title == MD
80 | publish_date == 2020
80 | publish_date == 1
80 | publish_date == 18
80 | avg_rating == 5.0
80 | tags_id == 33
80 | tags_name == Autoimmunity
80 | tags_id == 96
80 | tags_name == Cytokines
80 | tags_id == 95
80 | tags_name == Immune System
80 | tags_id == 24
80 | tags_name == Inflammation
80 | tags_id == 225
80 | tags_name == Multiple Sclerosis
80 | tags_id == 210
80 | tags_name == STAT3 Gene
80 | permissions_favorite == False
80 | permissions_rate == False
80 | content_article == <table style="width: 90%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" border="1" cellpadding="10"> <tbody> <tr style="height: 54px;"> <td style="width: 100%; text-align: justify; height: 54px;"><strong>Note:</strong> If you're curious to learn more about the many different genetic factors that can influence chronic inflammation <span style="font-weight: 400;">&mdash;</span> and what you can potentially do to counteract them <span style="font-weight: 400;">&mdash;</span> we highly recommend checking out SelfDecode's <a href="https://get.selfdecode.com/gene-reports/inflammation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><em>Inflammation DNA Wellness Report</em></strong></a>, which will you give you personalized analysis of many key inflammation-related genes!</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What Is The <em>STAT3 </em>Gene?</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://www.selfdecode.com/gene/stat3/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">STAT3</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> gene</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> codes for one member of a family of proteins called </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">s</span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ignal </span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">t</span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ransducer and </span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">a</span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ctivator of </span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">t</span></em><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">ranscription</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, or just &ldquo;STAT&rdquo; for short. STAT proteins are activated by other proteins (such as </span><a href="https://www.selfdecode.com/gene/jak2/?utm_source=seo&amp;#38;utm_medium=selfhacked&amp;#38;utm_campaign=id00002"><span style="font-weight: 400;">JAK</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">), which causes them to bind to DNA to turn certain genes &ldquo;on&rdquo; or &ldquo;off&rdquo; [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524500/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to the STAT3 protein specifically, its main role is to control the expression of genes involved in the growth, development, and activation of immune system cells. This process is triggered by &ldquo;messenger molecules&rdquo; called </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">cytokines</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">. While STAT3 responds to many different cytokines, the main ones that seem to be involved in multiple sclerosis are </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/interleukin-6/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IL-6</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and </span><a href="https://www.selfdecode.com/gene/il23r/?utm_source=seo&amp;#38;utm_medium=selfhacked&amp;#38;utm_campaign=id00002"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IL-23</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5050093/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2733795/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4628878/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4118716/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">STAT3 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">gene encodes a protein that either activates or blocks the expression of genes required for the function of immune cells, depending on how the protein is activated.</span></span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>STAT3</em> and Immunity Regulation</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The immune system protects the body from infections and cancer under normal circumstances, but can also cause allergies and inflammatory/autoimmune disorders when imbalanced! STAT3 responds to cytokines that either activate or block the immune response &mdash; in other words, it is one of the mechanisms the body uses to fine-tune the immune system.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the one hand, STAT3 contributes to the development and function of the cells that:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Promote inflammation and kill microbes (</span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/neutrophils/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">neutrophils</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11239451/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2858484/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Present infectious particles to T-cells (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">dendritic cells</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3507145/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Produce antibodies (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">B-cells</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1895520/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1895906/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3396759/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fight off infections, but which may cause autoimmune and inflammatory disorders if overactivated (</span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/th17/"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Th17 cells</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17277312/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17404271/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2435016/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quickly respond to repeated infections that the body has already developed immunity against (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">memory T-cells</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3228524/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3431922/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">STAT3 also activates the immune response by reducing the production of immunosuppressive T-cells (also known as &ldquo;</span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/treg/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tregs</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">&rdquo;) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3441059/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the other hand, STAT3 can also act as an immunosuppressant by:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Increasing the expression of its own blocker (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">SOC3</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC22025/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14975238/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12754505/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Preventing the development of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">dendritic cells</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15356132/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/how-to-increase-and-decrease-white-blood-cells/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">white blood cells</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">neutrophils</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">macrophages</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">dendritic cells</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10023769/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12193690/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3099405/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Producing the B-cells (commonly known as &ldquo;<em>Bregs</em>&rdquo;) that suppress defense and autoimmunity [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4048323/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Helping Tregs block </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/th17/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Th17</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> development [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4408196/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088485/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The STAT3 protein plays a fine-tuning role in the immune system, as it can both stimulate or suppress the immune response under different circumstances.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>STAT3</em> and Multiple Sclerosis</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/causes-symptoms-diagnosis-risk-factors-of-multiple-sclerosis/"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em>Multiple sclerosis</em></span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that progressively damages the insulating cover of the nerves in the brain and spinal cord (</span><em><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/myelin/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">myelin</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">). This disrupts the ability of the nerve system to communicate with the rest of the body, resulting in a wide range of symptoms such as vision (impaired, blurred, or double vision), physical (loss of coordination, tremors, spasms, weakness), and mental (impaired memory and cognition, </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/natural-treatments-depression/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">depression</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) problems [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19932200"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22146321"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3883021/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In most cases (~85%), the condition alternates periods of symptom worsening (called "attacks," "relapses," or "flare-ups") and recovery. This form is called "<em>relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis</em>." In some people, the symptoms never go into remission and progressively worsen ("<em>primary-progressive multiple sclerosis</em>"). After years or decades, the relapse-remitting form can develop into the progressive form [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2892936/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9217691"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unrestrained brain inflammation caused by T-cells (especially Th1 and Th17) crossing the blood-brain barrier and producing cytokines contributes to multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune neurodegenerative conditions [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670276/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4118716/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">STAT3 specifically promotes the development of Th17 cells in response to the cytokines IL-6 and IL-23. Genetically engineered mice lacking STAT3 don&rsquo;t produce Th17 cells and their T-cells cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, which protects them from multiple sclerosis [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17581537/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17878325/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2435016/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3670276/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In line with this, the T-cells and white blood cells (</span><em><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/monocytes/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">monocytes</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) of people with multiple sclerosis are enriched in activated STAT3 and Th17-derived </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/interleukin-1/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">IL-1</span></a><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/th17/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">7</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, especially during flare-ups [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16865709/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29298833"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10335518/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. Similarly, higher levels of activated STAT3 in immature T-cells of people with isolated symptoms may predict their progression into clinically defined multiple sclerosis [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18926576/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, there is also an upside to STAT3 when it comes to multiple sclerosis. A study in rats found that its activation in the cells that produce myelin (oligodendrocytes) promoted the repair of this insulating cover [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27060559"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">STAT3 contributes to multiple sclerosis by promoting the development of Th17 cells and the transport of T-cells across the blood-brain barrier. However, preliminary evidence suggests it may also help repair the myelin cover.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>STAT3 </em>Variants and Multiple Sclerosis</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most widely-studied </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">STAT3 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">polymorphism is </span><a href="https://www.selfdecode.com/snp/rs744166/"><strong>rs744166</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Although its mechanism remains unknown, some researchers have suggested that certain alleles may alter the structure of the STAT3 protein, thus changing how it responds to cytokines [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4186844/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Three large studies on over 42,000 Europeans associated the minor allele &lsquo;G&rsquo; with an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3247076/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2820168/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22095036"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. However, the association was not very strong and another study on over 3,000 Spanish people failed to replicate it [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20200543"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another polymorphism with an unknown mechanism is </span><a href="https://www.selfdecode.com/snp/rs2293152/"><strong>rs2293152</strong></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Although its major allele &lsquo;C&rsquo; was associated with multiple sclerosis in one of the above-mentioned studies [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3247076/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">], this association didn&rsquo;t reach statistical significance in another one [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22095036"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">The &lsquo;G&rsquo; allele of rs744166 and the &lsquo;C&rsquo; allele of rs2293152 have been linked to multiple sclerosis, but the association was weak in both cases.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Your <em>STAT3 </em>Results for Multiple Sclerosis</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can see your genotype for several </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">STAT3</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> SNPs in the table below. However, keep in mind that these results are based on association studies suggesting that certain genetic variants are more common in people with multiple sclerosis, and more research will be needed to know what role (if any) these variants play in actually </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">causing</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> this condition. Also, many genetic and environmental factors can influence the risk of multiple sclerosis: therefore, just because you have one of these genotypes does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing it!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>*5059236306650714*</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Primary SNP: </strong><strong><em>STAT3 </em></strong><a href="https://www.selfdecode.com/snp/rs744166/"><strong>rs744166</strong></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;A&rsquo; = Less common in people with multiple sclerosis.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; = More common in people with multiple sclerosis.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Population Frequency:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both homozygous genotypes are roughly similar in frequency. 44% of the world population has &lsquo;AG&rsquo;.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In European descendants, the frequency of the &lsquo;GG&rsquo; genotype is reduced to 19%.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Other Important SNPs:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>STAT3 </em></strong><a href="https://www.selfdecode.com/snp/rs2293152/"><strong>rs2293152</strong></a><strong>:</strong></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;C&rsquo; =&nbsp; More common in people with multiple sclerosis.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">&lsquo;G&rsquo; = Less common in people with multiple sclerosis.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Population Frequency:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">85% of the world population has at least one &lsquo;C&rsquo; allele.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Only 1% of African descendants have &lsquo;GG&rsquo;.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>*5261698989194308*</strong></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Standard of Care for Multiple Sclerosis</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis, make sure to talk to your doctor so that he or she can properly diagnose this condition and prescribe a treatment. Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, treatments may help speed recovery after an attack, slow down the progression of the disease, and manage the symptoms.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Multiple sclerosis attacks</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are normally managed with corticosteroids such as oral </span><em><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/prednisone/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">prednisone</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and intravenous </span><em><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/methylprednisolone/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">methylprednisolone</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to reduce nerve inflammation. Corticosteroids target several pro-inflammatory mediators, including STAT3 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31462505"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In people with severe symptoms that don&rsquo;t respond to corticosteroids, plasma exchange (<em>plasmapheresis</em>) can lower inflammation by removing the antibodies responsible for the autoimmune attack. This procedure consists of separating the liquid part of the blood (<em>plasma</em>) from the cells and replacing it with healthy plasma, or substitutes such as salt solution or </span><em><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/albumin/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">albumin</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Disease progression</strong> <strong>and relapse frequency </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">can be reduced with multiple drugs in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><em>Beta interferon</em>:</strong> this cytokine is injected under the skin or into the muscles and reduces the frequency and severity of relapses by altering the inflammatory response and reducing the number of T-cells that cross the <a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/blood-brain-barrier-causes-tests-leaky-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blood-brain barrier</a> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19475668"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. Its specific effects on STAT3 remain unclear, with different studies reporting that it activates [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19783688"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">] or blocks [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19670379"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">] this protein.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><em>Glatiramer acetate</em>:</strong> injected under the skin, this medication helps reduce the autoimmune attack to the myelin cover of brain cells. It is thought to prevent immature T-cells from developing into inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cells by blocking STAT3 and other components of the immune system [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5240344/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><em>Fingolimod</em>:</strong> this once-daily oral medication with immunosuppressive effects was the first drug approved for multiple sclerosis. A study in rats suggested that fingolimod needs a functional STAT3 protein to exert its protective effects [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5728178/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><em>Dimethyl fumarate</em>:</strong> this is a twice-daily oral medication that reduces relapses. Although these studies investigated its potential use for other conditions, the drug reduced STAT3 activity in cells [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25305493"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6731444/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><em>Teriflunomide</em>:</strong> this once-daily oral medication prevents relapses and has been shown to reduce the activation of STAT3 and other related proteins [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27160867"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong><em>Siponimod</em>:</strong> this once-daily oral medication reduces both relapses and disease progression.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Ocrelizumab</strong></em> is an injectable antibody that targets B-cells. In addition to being used in case of relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis, ocrelizumab is the only drug approved for primary-progressive forms of the disease.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Natalizumab</strong></em> is another injectable antibody that targets a protein required by T-cells to cross the blood-brain barrier (<em>alpha-4 integrin</em>). Some people experience disease worsening after natalizumab discontinuation, which is in part caused by increased STAT3 activation in immature T-cells [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21177324"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Alemtuzumab</strong></em> is another injectable antibody that reduces relapses by binding to a protein on the surface of mature immune cells (<em>CD52</em>) and targeting them for destruction. Generally, it&rsquo;s only recommended in people who don&rsquo;t respond to other treatments.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Mitoxantrone</strong></em><strong>:</strong> this immunosuppressant is only prescribed in rare, severe cases because it&rsquo;s associated with heart damage and the development of several cancer types.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, other </span><strong>multiple sclerosis symptoms</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are commonly managed with the following therapies:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy to improve mobility and leg weakness</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Muscle relaxants, such as </span><em><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/baclofen/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">baclofen</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and <em>tizanidine</em>, to reduce muscle stiffness or spasms</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-fatigue medication, such as <em>amantadine</em>, </span><em><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/modafinil/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">modafinil</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and <em>methylphenidate</em></span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Antidepressants, such as SSRIs</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medication to increase walking speed, such as <em>dalfampridine</em></span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medications for other symptoms such as </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/23-ways-to-combat-pain-naturally-by-increasing-your-opioids/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">pain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, and bladder or bowel control problems.</span></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Complementary Strategies that May Help with Multiple Sclerosis</strong></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">You may consider trying the complementary approaches listed below if you and your doctor determine that they could be appropriate for improving your multiple sclerosis symptoms after discussing them. However, always remember that none of these should ever be used to replace whatever your doctor has recommended or prescribed!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>*1880870068663218*</strong></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lifestyle</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Smoking is associated with an increased incidence and progression of multiple sclerosis [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11427406"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15758034"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. Although its connection to STAT3 hasn&rsquo;t been investigated, quitting smoking is always a good idea due to its multiple harmful effects.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/63-factors-raising-stress-cortisol-level-backed-science/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stressful events</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have also been associated with the onset and worsening of multiple sclerosis, more so when they were severe, long-lasting, or repeated [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12461197"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5193283/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. Based on this and other negative effects of stress, it&rsquo;s important to reduce it as much as possible, learn how to manage it, and </span><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/factors-counteract-stress-response/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">inhibit its response</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several studies have associated reduced exposure to </span><a href="https://content.selfdecode.com/avoiding-sun-will-kill-14-proven-science-based-health-benefits-sun/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">sunlight</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> during childhood and teenage years with an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC169645/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20463038"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. Its ability to stimulate </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/35proven-health-benefits-vitamin-d-part-1/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">vitamin D</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> production may play a key role according to some studies [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4525738/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20494325"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. Because excessive UV radiation may cause burns, skin aging, sunstroke, and skin cancer, experts recommend to limit sun exposure to 5-15 minutes 2x-3x/week and use protection in case of prolonged exposure.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Smoking, stress, and insufficient sunlight exposure are associated with an increased onset and progression of multiple sclerosis, among other negative effects on health.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Diet</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research has associated the following food components with a reduced incidence, relapsing rate, and severity of multiple sclerosis. Remember to talk to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">High levels of </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/35proven-health-benefits-vitamin-d-part-1/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">vitamin D</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in the blood have been associated with a reduced incidence of multiple sclerosis (especially in women) and a lower risk of relapse [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17179460/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18701572/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20695012"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. Similarly, a meta-analysis associated vitamin D supplementation with a reduced incidence and severity of this condition although most studies included were small and low-quality [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16684809"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. In mice with multiple sclerosis, vitamin D reduced the activation of STAT3 and other inflammatory proteins [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16547967"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to taking supplements or synthetic analogs such as </span><em><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/natural-ways-to-increase-calcitrol-and-vitamin-d-receptor-gene-expression/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">calcitriol</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, you can increase your levels of this vitamin by combining a diet rich in foods such as cheese, eggs, fatty fish, and beef liver with moderate exposure to sunlight.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://selfhack.com/blog/importance-real-vitamin-retinol/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin A</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may also have protective effects against multiple sclerosis. In a study in mice with this condition, its byproduct </span><em><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/importance-real-vitamin-retinol/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">retinoic acid</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> prevented the development and activation of Th17 cells by blocking STAT3 [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27089940"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. A meta-analysis of 6 studies found that vitamin A supplementation reduced the levels of IL-17 (and other cytokines) in people with multiple sclerosis or hardened arteries [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30473441"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinaches, apricots, liver, and dairies. Because milk and, to a lesser extent, butter and cream have been associated with an increased incidence of multiple sclerosis, it&rsquo;s preferable to replace them with more processed products such as cheese [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1291895"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Omega-3 fatty acids found in </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/top-22-science-based-health-benefits-of-fish-oil/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">fish oil</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reduced the levels of a protein required for T-cells to cross the blood-brain barrier (</span><em><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/mmp9/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">MMP-9</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">) in 2 small trials on 23 people with multiple sclerosis [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2692605/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3140187/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. In mice, dietary omega-3 prevented STAT3 activation and reduced Th17 development [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4093987/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]. A meta-analysis of 7 studies concluded that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce relapsing rate and inflammation while improving quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31462182"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, drinking </span><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/green-tea/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">green tea</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> may also help with multiple sclerosis, especially if associated with overactive </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">STAT3 </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">variants. Its component </span><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/green-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">epigallocatechin</span></em></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/green-tea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em> gallate</em> (EGCG)</a>&nbsp;reduced multiple sclerosis symptoms in mice, in part by blocking STAT3 activation and subsequent Th17 development. Whether green tea has similar effects in humans merits further research [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22020144"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the vitamins A and D is associated with a reduced incidence, relapsing rate, and severity of multiple sclerosis, which may be partly due to a reduced STAT3 activity. Preliminary evidence in animals suggests that green tea may also have protective effects against this condition.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Supplements</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are several studies reporting that some supplements (or their bioactive compounds, in parentheses) may reduce both multiple sclerosis inflammation and STAT3 activity. However, these compounds have only been tested in animals and cells &mdash; therefore, we cannot conclude for certain whether their effects will apply to human users as well without additional research!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, none of these compounds have undergone the extensive testing required for FDA approval. Regulations set manufacturing standards for the people who sell the compounds, but the manufacturers don't otherwise do the full research that is required to say whether they are safe or effective. This is a big part of the reason why it&rsquo;s always important to make sure you talk to your doctor before trying out any new supplements!</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">This said, some of these supplements include:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turmeric (</span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/curcumin-cures-top-15-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-with-references/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">curcumin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19539560"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12055272"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/mangosteen/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mangosteen</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (<em>isogarcinol</em>) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27933873"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="http://selfhacked.com/blog/astragalus/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Astragalus</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (<em>astragaloside IV</em>) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30385269"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/benefits-rosemary/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rosemary</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (<em>carnosol</em>) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6100297/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">False </span><a href="https://selfhacked.com/blog/black-pepper-piperine/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">black pepper</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (<em>embelin</em>) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24258405"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anatabine (a nightshade alkaloid) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3559544/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/quercetin-22-scientifically-proven-benefits-quercetin/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quercetin</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15359113"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paeoniflorin [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5292961/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Betulinic acid and its derivatives [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28213589"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Chinese herb </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pulsatilla chinensis </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">(anemoside A3) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5536310/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Asian herb </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cornus officinallis </span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">(cornel iridoid glycoside) [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25012120"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">]</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">According to some early evidence from animal and cell studies, there are a number of supplements that may potentially improve multiple sclerosis inflammation and reduce STAT3 activity &mdash; but additional research will be needed to know if any of these are safe and effective in humans as well.</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Pharmaceutical Drugs</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/cholesterol/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cholesterol</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">-lowering medication </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">simvastatin</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> also has proven anti-inflammatory effects. In a clinical trial on 31 people with multiple sclerosis and 10 healthy controls, simvastatin prevented the production of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, the development of Th1 and Th17 cells, and the activation of STAT3 and other inflammatory pathways [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23076801"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">In mice with multiple sclerosis, the antibiotic </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">rifampicin</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and the immunosuppressant </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">sirolimus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> reduced damage to the blood-brain barrier, cytokine production, Th17 cell development, and STAT3 activation, ultimately improving the symptoms [</span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6680363/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28600752"><span style="font-weight: 400;">R</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">].</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Importantly, keep in mind that these are prescription-only drugs used to lower cholesterol in people with dyslipidemia (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">simvastatin</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">), fighting off infections such as tuberculosis, leprosy, and Legionnaires&rsquo; disease (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">rifampicin</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">), and preventing organ transplant rejection (</span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">sirolimus</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">), and may have unwanted adverse effects. They may help you with multiple sclerosis if you are already taking them for their approved uses &mdash; but never add or change medications without first talking to your doctor.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 400; background-color: #e8ebfc; border-left: 2px solid #4569fa; display: block; padding: 20px;">Early research suggests that the cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin, the antibiotic rifampicin, and the immunosuppressant sirolimus may improve multiple sclerosis &mdash; consult your doctor before adding or changing medications.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>
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80 | content_learn_more_5261698989194308_text == Based on the SNPs we looked at, your STAT3 variants may be somewhat associated with multiple sclerosis. However, this doesn't necessarily reflect your overall risk of developing this condition — just one gene related to it! Changes in your lifestyle and diet/supplements may help you "re-balance" your immune system — keep scrolling to find out more!
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rsIDs = rs2293152,rs744166
rsStatus = rs2293152,STAT3,chr17,42329511,G,A,C,T,45,0,Normal
rsStatus = rs744166,STAT3,chr17,42362183,A,C,G,,21,0,Normal
