Throughout November 2016, MStranslate has had the pleasure of working closely with the team at MitoQ Ltd, based in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Together, a series of features have been developed to enhance the multiple sclerosis (MS) community’s understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction in MS. An Introduction to Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis Evidence suggests problems with mitochondria and free radicals may cause damage in MS. In response to this, MitoQ created a variation of Coenzyme Q10 that can enter mitochondria and attempt to address these issues. In our first feature, MitoQ Ltd CEO, Greg Macpherson, talked to us about the development of MitoQ and why it might be useful as a treatment for neurological conditions. The Science Behind MitoQ Our second feature took us to the United Kingdom, where we explored the science behind MitoQ with Professor Mike Murphy, Programme Leader of the Mitochondrial Biology Unit at the University of Cambridge. During our discussion, Professor Murphy discussed how MitoQ works and shared the early evidence that suggests it may benefit people with MS in two distinct ways. A Personal Perspective of Using MitoQ While Living with Multiple Sclerosis – Introducing Karen Karen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 17 years ago. In the below video, she spoke to us about her journey and discussed the changes she has noticed since taking MitoQ. As discussed with Professor Murphy (above), the evidence for the benefits of MitoQ in MS have so far come from animal models and personal experiences. It is hoped that these studies, and stories like Karen’s, will help progress this research into a formal, randomised trial. The support of the MS community can make this happen and will allow for definitive results to be determined. MitoQ as a Tool for Managing the Fatigue Related to Multiple Sclerosis In Karen’s video, she credits MitoQ with helping her manage the fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis, saying that she felt it (MitoQ) had increased her energy levels and helped her return to living a more active lifestyle. However, is it actually MitoQ that has led to this change? To answer this question, we return to Professor Murphy for his insight into whether improving mitochondrial function could improve fatigue in people with MS. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis – An Online Q&A Having introduced each of the above features, the next step was to offer members of our community the opportunity to ask questions on what they had watched. This took place on the Thursday evening, when Greg Macpherson, Professor Mike Murphy and Karen each volunteered their time to take part in an online Q&A. We’re pleased to report that this was a very interesting and informative discussion, which can now be reviewed in full below. A big thank you to both our guests and participants for taking part. What Does the Future Hold? To conclude our event, Greg Macpherson returned to provide a final summary of the week and discuss the future directions for MitoQ as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. Thank you to all who have taken an interest in this detailed feature on MitoQ and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis. If you have questions regarding any of the above features, please don’t hesitate to comment below or email brett@mstranslate.com.au.
