Please tell me about the causes of Multiple System Atrophy.

After visiting various hospitals, I was finally diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy. When I was suddenly told that I had a rare disease, my mind went blank. What causes Multiple System Atrophy?

Mr. S.K. from Tokyo

It is caused by the degeneration of a protein (alpha-synuclein) that regulates nerve transmission in the brain, which becomes toxic.

Alpha-synuclein regulates nerve transmission in brain pathways responsible for motor balance and emotional expression. When alpha-synuclein degenerates and aggregates, it gradually impairs the ability to move and express emotions.

Recently, seeds that cause Multiple System Atrophy have been identified and isolated from patients' serum (Nature Medicine). Multiple System Atrophy is now thought to spread like a prion disease.

The causes are gradually being clarified.
In the near future, a medicine may be developed to cure Multiple System Atrophy from its root.

Acupuncturist Hiroaki Yoshiike

Written by

Moriue Acupuncture and Osteopathic Clinic Acupuncturist Hiroaki Yoshiike

With 37 years of experience in treating Multiple System Atrophy. Incorporating unique diagnostic methods such as medical thermography, examining and treating over 200,000 patients. Self-titled "thermographer," specializing in reading autonomic nervous system and stress conditions from data to provide tailored treatments for each patient. Born on the Day of Acupuncture, age 62.

Recommended Reading

People Prone to Multiple System Atrophy

It is assumed that there is a genetic predisposition to Multiple System Atrophy.

If you have relatives with Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies, the likelihood of developing Multiple System Atrophy increases. It is believed that those with a predisposition to Multiple System Atrophy may develop the disease due to external factors such as lifestyle, stress, and environment.

What is Alpha-Synuclein?

Alpha-synuclein is an important protein used in nerve synapse communication.

Alpha-synuclein is said to regulate synapse function in nerve pathways (dopamine pathways) that adjust fine motor control and emotional regulation. When the function of the dopamine pathway declines, motor control, cognitive function, emotions, and learning gradually deteriorate.

Until now, alpha-synuclein could not be detected in vivo. In August 2022, it was announced by the Quantum Science and Technology Research and Development Agency that alpha-synuclein was successfully imaged using a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner. This progress is expected to lead to the establishment of diagnostic techniques and the development of fundamental treatments for Multiple System Atrophy.

Causes of Alpha-Synuclein Degeneration

Alpha-synuclein is degenerated by seeds.

In May 2023, it was announced that seeds that degenerate alpha-synuclein had been discovered. There are multiple seeds, and depending on the seed, the location where alpha-synuclein accumulates changes, leading to Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, or Multiple System Atrophy.

Alpha-synuclein is originally a water-soluble protein, but when it degenerates into an insoluble form, it accumulates as inclusions within glial cells that support brain nerve cells. It then becomes toxic and rapidly causes brain nerve cells to atrophy.

Causes of Invasion of Healthy Brain Nerves by Seeds

It has been discovered that the degeneration of alpha-synuclein by seeds resembles prion-like cellular infection.

It was discovered that when alpha-synuclein seeds from Multiple System Atrophy were injected into the brains of normal mice, the mice's brains gradually degenerated into those of Multiple System Atrophy over a year, sparking discussions that Multiple System Atrophy might be an infectious disease caused by abnormal proteins (similar to prion diseases).

Prion infections are infections caused not by bacteria or viruses but by exposure to abnormal proteins. Abnormal proteins formed primarily from degenerated alpha-synuclein seeds appear to be taken up by nerve cells, causing degeneration and transmission between cells.

Currently, new drug development targeting seeds, clinical trials, and clinical research are underway.

Acupuncture Outpatient Clinic for Multiple System Atrophy

We conduct examinations from a different perspective than doctors to utilize acupuncture treatments.

Examining Body Tilt

In olive-pontine cerebellar atrophy, symptoms tend to progress as the body's tilt increases, so we examine body tilt. We proceed with acupuncture treatment while identifying the postural muscles that cause the tilt.
Examining the State of the Autonomic Nervous System

In Multiple System Atrophy, there is often an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system before symptoms worsen. Autonomic nervous system disorders manifest in body surface temperature, so we investigate the premonition of worsening from body temperature and proceed with acupuncture treatment.
Examining Blood Flow to the Brain

Those with progressing Multiple System Atrophy often have reduced blood flow to the brain. Since blood flow changes between lying and standing, we examine the state of blood flow to the brain in the most common postures in daily life and proceed with acupuncture treatment.
Stimulating Acupuncture Points Based on Examination Results

By stimulating the exact acupuncture points based on the examination results, acupuncture treatment can be more effective in promoting recovery from Multiple System Atrophy.