Breastfeeding and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

1 Introduction

1.1 What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized as an autoimmune disorder. In individuals with MS, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissue in the central nervous system, typically the protective casing that surrounds the nerve fibers - the myelin sheath. This attack leads to the degradation of myelin, exposing and damaging the nerves fibers, which impairs their ability to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain, resulting in various neurological symptoms.
As MS progresses, the increase in attacks causes increased occurrence of plaques or lesions resulting in increased symptoms. In the later stages of MS, the nerve cell bodies found within the brain can become damaged, causing cortical atrophy, which is the shrinkage of the outer layer of the brain.
Symptoms commonly begin in young adults, between the ages of twenty and forty and are dependent on the severity of attacks and the location and size of the plaques formed.

1.2 Types of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis can be categorized into four primary types:

- Clinical isolated syndrome (CIS): Is the first occurrence of neurological symptoms and allows for the possible diagnosis of MS.

- Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS): Is the most common category, with approximately 85% of individuals receiving this diagnosis initially. RRMS is defined by clear recurrent attacks with increasing neurological symptoms followed by periods of remission or recovery.

- Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): Occurs when attacks become less common with the progressive decline of neurological function and symptoms.

- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): Is the least common category of MS, with approximately 10% to 15% of individuals diagnosed. People with PPMS experience worsening symptoms with little to no periods of remission or flare-ups.

1.3 Symptoms

Figure 1 Diagram highlighting the most commonly occurring symptoms associated with Multiple Sclerosis.

1.4 Established Treatments

Unfortunately, there is no cure for MS at present. However, there are several disease-modifying treatments available to aid in the reduction and severity of relapses and delay the progression of the disease. Often classified as monoclonal antibodies, receptor modulators and pyrimidine synthesis. The drive to find new potential treatments for MS increases yearly, with new research continuously being explored.

2. Potential Approached for Future Treatment

2.1 Placenta-Derived Cells as a Promising Treatment for MS

The placenta is rich in a variety of bioactive molecules, including growth factors, cytokines, and other regenerative compounds. These components are known to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, as well as properties that may promote tissue repair and healing. Previous studies have shown that placental-derived products can support nerve cell survival and potentially stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissues. This made HPE (Human Placental Extract) a promising candidate for MS treatment, as it might offer both immune modulation and tissue repair.

2.1.1 Why Placenta-Derived Therapies Could Be the Key

We were inspired by the research of Fisher-Shoval et al. and Lublin et al., which highlighted the potential benefits of PDA-001 cells, human placental extract (hPL), and growth factors as treatments. The observed effects, such as reduced inflammation, enhanced immune modulation, and myelin repair, encouraged us to expand on the idea that placental-derived therapies could provide similar benefits in human patients, similar to the protective effects experienced during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

2.1.2 The Role of HPE in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding in MS

Pregnancy exerts anti-inflammatory effects that reduce MS activity, and these benefits often extend into the postpartum period with breastfeeding. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding are linked to shifts in immune function, including increased regulatory T-cell (Treg) levels that reduce autoimmune activity.
HPE shows anti-inflammatory effects that suggest placental components contribute to immune regulation and demonstrates potential for myelin regeneration, offering insights into nerve repair processes active during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Placenta-derived cells, like PDA-001, exhibit regenerative properties that mimic pregnancy's immune tolerance and repair, potentially protecting against MS inflammation. PDA-001 cells release anti-inflammatory factors and support myelin repair, which could explain symptom improvement during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding extends the protective effects through elevated anti-inflammatory cytokines. Placenta-derived therapies, like PDA-001, might mimic these natural effects, offering potential treatments for non-pregnant MS patients.

Both breastfeeding and PDA-001 cells support immune regulation, reduce inflammation, and create a growth-factor-rich environment aiding neural repair and immune balance—beneficial in managing MS.

2.1.3 Breastfeeding vs. PDA-001 Cells: Comparative Benefits

As shown in the picture below breastfeeding and PDA-001 cells both promote immune regulation and reduce inflammation, supporting neural health. Breast milk provides natural immune-modulating factors, while PDA-001 cells enhance neuroprotection and remyelination. Postpartum, breastfeeding and PDA-001 therapy can work together to extend the protective immune effects and support MS management. Both breastfeeding and PDA-001 cells create a growth-factor-rich environment that aids in neural repair and immune balance in MS.

Figure 2 comparison of breastfeeding and PDA-001 therapy, showing shared anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects for MS management.

2.1.4 The Role of Growth Factors in MS: Stimulating Repair and Reducing Inflammation

Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that stimulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Although they can function similarly to hormones, they primarily act locally to support various biological processes, especially in the nervous system, where they help maintain neuron health, repair damage, and guide immune responses.
In MS, these growth factors play an essential role in countering myelin damage and promoting nervous system repair.

2.1.5 Key Growth Factors Involved in Multiple Sclerosis Repair and Protection

Figure 3 Various growth factors involved in Multiple Sclerosis and their roles in promoting neuron survival, immune regulation, and myelin repair.

As shown in the picture above the growth factors involved in MS, such as BDNF, NGF, IGF-1, CNTF, and FGF-2, play vital roles in supporting neuron survival, myelin repair, and reducing inflammation. These factors stimulate oligodendrocytes and precursor cells to promote remyelination, protect neurons from damage, and regulate immune responses to reduce inflammation. PDA-001 cells, which release these growth factors along with HGF, TGF-beta, and VEGF, create a regenerative and immune-modulating environment, offering a promising approach to slowing MS progression, supporting tissue repair, and enhancing neuronal health.

Figure 4 Activation of specific receptors and pathways by growth factors from breastfeeding and PDA-001 therapies.

This pathway illustrates how growth factors from breastfeeding and PDA-001 cell therapy activate similar receptors and pathways, leading to key neurological benefits such as cell survival, neuroprotection, remyelination, neuronal growth, anti-inflammation, and synaptic support. Highlighting the shared cellular mechanisms by which both sources contribute to neural health and immune regulation, providing a clear and structured view of their complementary roles in MS treatment.
3. Conclusion: Why Placenta-Derived Therapies Could Be the Key to Treating MS
Placenta-derived therapies, such as PDA-001 cells and HPE (Human Placental Extract), present a novel approach to managing Multiple Sclerosis. These therapies leverage the natural anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects observed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. PDA-001 cells are rich in growth factors and cytokines that regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and promote myelin repair, offering a promising future pathway for MS treatment. By mimicking the protective environment of pregnancy, placenta-derived therapies have the potential to extend immune modulation and support nervous system repair for both postpartum and non-pregnant MS patients.