Researchers at University of Freiburg discover new immune cells that promote multiple sclerosis development, creating an immune cell atlas for the brain. Chronic activation of these cells may explain why the brain is chronically attacked in MS patients.
Researchers found that Medicare patients with multiple sclerosis spend $6,894 a year out of pocket for treatment. This is attributed to the lack of incentives for companies not to raise prices, leading to restrictive policies and high coinsurance cost-sharing models.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanism that contributes to the degeneration of axons in multiple sclerosis, leading to permanent neurological deficits. They found that minuscule ruptures in the cell membrane allow calcium ions to enter the neuron, disrupting its balance and ultimately killing it.
A study published in Nature found that people with multiple sclerosis have different types of oligodendrocytes than healthy individuals, which may explain why their myelin repair process does not work as well. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for progressive MS.
Researchers found that older cells in MS patients can reform myelin, but new oligodendrocyte generation is severely limited. This suggests treating MS aggressively at an early stage is crucial to prevent further damage.
A team from Charité has identified the Chi3l3 protein as a key player in the body's innate ability to repair damaged myelin sheaths in multiple sclerosis. By understanding this molecular signal, researchers aim to develop new drugs that can restore electrical insulation around nerve cells.
A new systematic approach has identified environmental factors that boost neurological inflammation, including an herbicide banned in Europe. Researchers found that linuron and another compound increase activity of a gene associated with inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have found a promising treatment for multiple sclerosis, a disabling immune-mediated disease that damages nerve fibers. Sephin1, a small molecule, may delay harm to nerve cells by protecting oligodendrocytes and reducing inflammation.
International study finds MS treatments can delay secondary progressive stage of the disease by five years or more, improving quality of life. Early treatment is essential to prevent worsening disability and irreversible loss of function.
Gut immune cells, specifically plasma cells producing Immunoglobulin A antibodies, migrate to the central nervous system and produce an anti-inflammatory effect during MS flare-ups. Increasing these cells blocks inflammation entirely in a preclinical model of the disease.
The proposal calls for pharmaceutical companies to collect post-marketing data in all minority groups, classifying responsiveness based on ethnicity. Package labelling should include efficacy data from minority populations.
Research published in the Journal of Neurology & Psychiatry found that food allergies are associated with a higher rate of cumulative disease bouts and active disease in multiple sclerosis patients. The study analyzed data from 1349 adults and found that food allergy was linked to a 27% higher rate of disease flare-ups.
A University at Buffalo team discovered that activation of PRRX1 induces pathological quiescence, rendering adult stem cells incapable of producing myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. This finding presents a novel approach to developing treatments for multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory diseases by blocking pathological quiescence.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that oligodendrocytes, cells responsible for myelin production, may play a significant role in MS development. This finding could lead to new therapies targeting areas beyond the immune system.
A recent study published in Nature Immunology found that B cell accumulation triggers nervous system damage in MS patients. The presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) regulates the number of B cells, and their absence leads to inflammation and tissue damage.
Researchers found that the thymus, a small organ near the heart, maintains its output of T cells during pregnancy, which is essential for protecting against infection while tolerating the fetus. The study's findings may have implications for understanding autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Researchers are conducting a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of treadmill walking exercise training on learning and memory performance, hippocampal volume, and resting-state functional connectivity in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study aims to determine if aerobic exercise can improve cognitive defici...
A new study finds that pelvic floor muscle exercises can significantly improve overactive bladder symptoms in patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic conditions. The study suggests that PFM training activates the frontal cortex of the brain, leading to improved conscious control of bladder function.
A Yale-led team has identified four new genetic variants that directly damage gene sequences, accounting for an additional 5% of MS disease risk. The findings contradict previous theories on the role of common genetic variants in MS, providing promising new avenues for research and study.
A new conceptual framework proposes examining exercise effects on brain connectivity, structure, and molecular mechanisms in multiple sclerosis. This systematic approach may lead to new strategies for rehabilitative care and treatment.
Researchers found structural changes in myelin sheaths triggered by environmental factors can lead to autoimmune attacks that cause MS. The study suggests even minor changes in local conditions may precipitate the disease.
A recent study by the MAGNIMS Study Group provides new insights into the involvement of the hippocampus in multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognition. The research suggests that modifying the hippocampus through aerobic exercise and memory retraining may be effective in improving cognitive outcomes for MS pa...
Researchers discovered that herpesvirus 6 infection before inducing EAE significantly accelerated the disease's progression in marmosets. This finding supports the hypothesis that viral infections can increase susceptibility to autoimmunity by triggering a heightened immune state.
Scientists have developed an antibody that blocks the inflammatory and oxidative activity of fibrin, a blood protein that contributes to neurodegeneration in the brain. The treatment has shown promise in reducing inflammation and neurodegeneration in both mouse models of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials found that medical marijuana reduced subjective patient assessments of spasticity, pain, and bladder dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, the therapy may carry a higher risk of adverse events compared to placebo.
New findings suggest that the immune system's response to a protein called GDP-L-fucose synthase, found in both human cells and bacteria, may play a key role in multiple sclerosis. The protein is believed to activate T cells in the intestine, leading to an inflammatory cascade that damages the protective coating around nerve cells.
Dr. John DeLuca is recognized for his outstanding record of professional service and contributions to the field of medical rehabilitation. He leads rehabilitation research and training at Kessler Foundation, improving rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers found that people's social networks have a strong association with their reported neurological disability. The team developed a social network assessment tool, which found that unhealthy habits of those around an individual can significantly impact their health outcomes.
A recent study by MS researchers found that older individuals with multiple sclerosis report lower levels of depression and higher quality of life than their younger counterparts. This trend is consistent with the general population, where well-being improves with age.
A pilot study by Kessler Foundation researchers found improvements in processing speed training for individuals with multiple sclerosis, enhancing neuropsychological tests and daily life performance. The study showed significant gains in processing speed, new learning, memory, and activities of daily life.
Researchers at UVA have discovered that lymphatic vessels in the brain carry messages from the brain to the immune system, triggering MS symptoms. Blocking these messages may offer a new way to treat the condition, but more research is needed to understand their role and potential therapeutic targets.
A four-year grant funds a collaborative study with 11 centers worldwide to assess the efficacy of cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise on cognitive function in people with progressive MS. Researchers aim to demonstrate improved brain activity in regions responsible for memory, learning, and executive functioning after treatment.
Researchers discovered that B cells activate specific T cells causing inflammation and nerve cell damage in MS patients. This finding explains how novel drugs like Rituximab and Ocrelizumab inhibit inflammation.
A clinical trial of over 250 participants with progressive multiple sclerosis found that ibudilast slowed down brain shrinkage compared to a placebo. The study showed a difference of approximately 2.5 milliliters of brain tissue between the two groups, but it is unclear if this translates to improved symptoms or function.
A phase 2 trial conducted by Cleveland Clinic shows that ibudilast decreased progression of brain atrophy in progressive MS patients by 48 percent versus placebo. The study also demonstrated the utility of advanced imaging in clinical trials to measure the impact of therapies on brain health.
Researchers have discovered a novel subtype of multiple sclerosis, called myelocortical MS (MCMS), which features neuronal loss but no demyelination in the brain's white matter. This new subtype is indistinguishable from traditional MS on MRI and has reduced neuronal density and cortical thickness.
Dr. Silvana Costa receives a National MS Society grant to investigate the effect of visual, cognitive, and motor deficits on information processing speed in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The four-year study will utilize neuropsychological evaluations and eye-tracking technology.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have identified dozens of drug candidates that share a common mechanism to repair damaged brain cells in multiple sclerosis. These new targets and potent early-stage drug candidates could lead to regenerative medicines for the debilitating disease.
Researchers identified a molecular key, P2X4 receptor, that delays Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression by reducing chronic inflammation and promoting repair responses in the nervous tissue. The study found that activating this receptor improves symptoms during the disease's chronic phase.
A collaborative study funded by NIH aims to assess the effects of treadmill walking exercise on cognitive processing speed, brain volume, and functional connectivity in individuals with MS. Researchers hope to develop exercise training guidelines to improve cognition and brain health in people with MS.
A new MRI technique monitors brain iron levels to identify MS patients at higher risk of developing physical disability. Iron depletion or increase in certain brain structures is associated with longer disease duration and higher disability degree.
A genetic marker associated with an adverse drug reaction in people with multiple sclerosis has been found. The discovery may lead to more individualized approaches to MS treatment and care.
A study of 14,000 people with MS found common conditions like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and mood disorders preceding the diagnosis. This research may enable early detection and treatment, possibly slowing disease progression.
Researchers are testing whether drastically cutting calories twice a week can change MS symptoms. A study found that intermittent fasting reduced MS-like symptoms in mice, with changes in immune cells and gut microbiome.
People exposed to paint, varnish, and solvents are 50% more likely to develop multiple sclerosis. Those with the genetic risk factors and solvent exposure have nearly seven times the risk of developing MS compared to those without solvent exposure or genetic risk factors.
A new mechanism has been identified that triggers multiple sclerosis disease through epigenetic regulation, with a protective variant reducing the risk. The study found that people with the major risk variant HLA-DRB1*15:01 have increased expression of the HLA-DRB1 gene, increasing the risk for MS.
Researchers have identified pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death associated with inflammation, as a key mechanism in multiple sclerosis. The discovery of the process and its link to brain cells has led to the development of a potential new treatment using an anti-inflammatory drug.
Researchers found that atrophied brain lesions, rather than new or expanding lesions, predict disability progression in multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that the disappearance of brain lesions into cerebrospinal fluid may be a more accurate indicator of disease worsening.
Research from the University of Missouri finds that workplace dress codes present a significant barrier to people living with disabilities, leading to increased stigma and decreased confidence. The study highlights the need for inclusive and adaptive clothing options to promote workplace inclusivity.
A chemical compound called indazole chloride has been shown to produce beneficial inflammation and remyelination in multiple sclerosis patients. This process can help repair damaged axons and restore myelin, potentially reducing disability burden. The findings provide a promising new treatment avenue for the disease.
Researchers compared two tests for assessing learning deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS), revealing clear differences in performance. The Open Trial Selective Reminding Test (OT-SRT) identified all participants as impaired, while the California Verbal Learning Test II (CVLT-II) only identified 34% as similarly impaired. Differences in...
A study published in Nature sheds light on the connection between the gut and brain, revealing a new pathway that may help guide therapies for multiple sclerosis and other neurologic diseases. Researchers found that compounds produced by gut microbes can limit inflammation in the brain through their influence on microglia.
UNIGE researchers found that a DNA-binding factor called TOX triggers immune cells to cause autoimmune tissue destruction in the brain. This discovery provides important insights into understanding and treating auto-immune diseases.
A six-year study by the University of Birmingham has found that analyzing spinal fluid from patients with MS at diagnosis can predict future disease progression. The research identified a distinct immune response, characterized by an unusual antibody ratio, which may indicate early trigger and risk of disability.
A team of scientists at FAU has discovered how protein molecules regulate the formation of myelin sheaths in the nervous system. The study found that Nfat proteins are essential for successful interaction between other protein molecules, and their inhibition can lead to myelin loss and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis.
Researchers challenge conventional thinking about MS root cause and develop new treatment approach by protecting myelin from immune attack. The study provides compelling evidence that MS could begin with myelin damage, opening new lines of thinking for this disease.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield have developed an algorithm that pairs wearable sensors with real-life data to monitor MS patients' walking patterns. This innovation helps clinicians assess treatment effectiveness and disease progression, leading to better patient outcomes.
A new study by Penn Medicine neurologist Amit Bar-Or presents findings on ocrelizumab's impact on multiple sclerosis patients, including reduced inflammation and lower vaccine response levels. The research also explores the role of ocrelizumab in limiting MS attacks.
Dr. Steven Galetta has been awarded the 2018 A.B. Baker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Neurological Education by the American Academy of Neurology. He is recognized for his contributions to neurological education and leadership, as well as his research on MS, concussion, and optic nerve disorders.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that starting MS drugs early may be better than letting the disease run its course. Disease-modifying therapies can alter or change the course of MS, reducing relapses and slowing disease progression.