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Review
. 2023 Aug 18;24(16):12912.
doi: 10.3390/ijms241612912.

Alterations of Oligodendrocyte and Myelin Energy Metabolism in Multiple Sclerosis

Eneritz López-Muguruza  1   2   3 , Carlos Matute  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Alterations of Oligodendrocyte and Myelin Energy Metabolism in Multiple Sclerosis

Eneritz López-Muguruza et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Oligodendrocytes play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibres essential for efficient signal transmission. However, in MS, oligodendrocytes become dysfunctional, leading to myelin damage and axonal degeneration. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic changes, including mitochondrial dysfunction and alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism, contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of MS. Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in both immune cells and oligodendrocytes within the CNS of MS patients. Impaired mitochondrial function leads to energy deficits, affecting crucial processes such as impulse transmission and axonal transport, ultimately contributing to neurodegeneration. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), exacerbating myelin damage and inflammation. Altered glucose metabolism affects the energy supply required for oligodendrocyte function and myelin synthesis. Dysregulated lipid metabolism results in changes to the composition of myelin, affecting its stability and integrity. Importantly, low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in MS are associated with upregulated lipid metabolism and enhanced glucose catabolism. Understanding the intricate relationship between these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies to preserve myelin and promote neurological recovery in individuals with MS. Addressing these metabolic aspects may offer new insights into potential therapeutic strategies to halt disease progression and improve the quality of life for MS patients.

Keywords: axonal damage; demyelination; dysmyelination; lipids; mitochondria; neurodegeneration; progressive multiple sclerosis; remyelination; repair.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A visual depiction of the various stages involved in oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation, along with their distinctive markers. (Created with Biorender).
Figure 2
Figure 2
The structure and molecular makeup of the myelin membrane in the CNS. (Created with Biorender).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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