Multiple sclerosis discovery may explain gender gap

A key difference in the brains of male and female MS patients may explain why more women than men get the disease, a study suggests.

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in the US found higher levels of protein S1PR2 in tests on the brains of female mice and dead women with MS than in male equivalents.

Four times more women than men are currently diagnosed with MS.

Experts said the finding was "really interesting".

MS affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which causes problems with muscle movement, balance and vision. It is a major cause of disability, and affects about 100,000 people in the UK.

To read the full article click here.