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Published online 28 January 2003 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news030127-2

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Starvation could relieve multiple sclerosis

Study in mice links appetite hormone and autoimmune disease.

Starvation could relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases, a new study suggests1.

Mice with a condition akin to MS that were deprived of food for 48 hours still developed the disease but had fewer brain lesions and performed better on tests of walking, balance, weakness and paralysis.

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