Functions of astrocytes in multiple sclerosis: A review

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which usually affects young adults between 20 and 40 years old. In chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, CNS cells take on several adaptations during neuroinflammation. The main cells involved in this inflammatory process are the glial cells, in which the astrocytes stand out. These cells play a complex role, and several studies report that reactive astrocytes lose their supporting role and gain toxic function in the progression of these diseases.

Results: The beneficial and injurious effects of this group of cells in MS are addressed in this work, as well as some drugs that are already used in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis, aiming to regulate astrocytic activities.

Conclusions: The knowledge about the functions of astrocytes is essential for the expansion of scientific research in this area, since these cells are so important and involved in different mechanisms of action, especially in neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.

Keywords: Astrocytes; Central nervous system; Multiple sclerosis; Neurodegenerative diseases; Therapies.