Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
A revised set of diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis is expected to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. The new guidelines, published in The Lancet Neurology, provide more avenues for obtaining supporting evidence for diagnosis, including positive CSF oligoclonal bands and asymptomatic MRI lesions.
Researchers identified clomipramine as a promising candidate to alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis' progressive form. In preclinical studies, the therapy suppressed neurological disturbances and minimised damage to nerve cells and inflammation. Clinical studies are planned to test its effectiveness in patients.
A recent study in NeuroRehabilitation highlights the need for better addressing neurosexuality in patients with neurodisabilities, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The research provides guidance for healthcare providers and caregivers to improve sexual function and quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed a method to quickly detect signs of multiple sclerosis using blood samples. The discovery identifies two natural biomarker compounds, sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine, which are found to be at significantly lower concentrations in patients with MS.
Researchers found that autophagy proteins are responsible for triggering autoimmune processes in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Genetic switch-off of ATG5 protein reduced pathological T cell levels and inflammation in the central nervous system, suggesting its role in disease progression.
Research in Nature Communications shows that immune responses and regulation of autoimmunity are affected by the time of day when activated, with master circadian gene BMAL1 playing a key role in sensing and acting on time-of-the-day cues to suppress inflammation.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute found that taurine helps spark a process called remyelination, crucial for repairing nerve cells damaged in multiple sclerosis. Combining taurine with existing MS drugs and future remyelination-inducing treatments may improve overall efficacy.
People with MS who followed a healthy diet were 20% less likely to have severe physical disability and depression. A healthy lifestyle was also associated with reduced risk of fatigue, pain, and depression.
Researchers develop targeted delivery vehicles for multiple sclerosis drugs using extracellular vesicles, offering a potential treatment breakthrough. The new method uses naturally occurring vesicles to deliver small molecules of RNA that boost myelin production in oligodendrocytes.
Patients with multiple sclerosis who adhere to medication schedules experience significantly better physical outcomes, including reduced disease impact and disability. However, their overall healthcare costs are higher due to more frequent hospitalizations and medical appointments.
Dr. Bing Yao has received a major grant to investigate the relationship between brain iron concentration and fatigue symptoms in MS patients. The study aims to explore the role of basal ganglia in cognitive fatigue and its correlation with iron deposits in gray matter.
Two distinct mechanisms have been identified by which Th17 and Th1 lymphocytes breach the blood-brain barrier in multiple sclerosis, targeting neurons and degrading myelin insulation. Understanding these pathways could lead to development of specific therapies to block immune cell entry.
A study by Rutgers University researchers suggests that gut bacteria at a young age contributes to the onset and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study found that genetically engineered mice exposed to normal environment developed MS-like disease, highlighting the role of gut bacteria in triggering immune system changes.
A study published in Nature found that common salt reduces certain lactic acid bacteria in the gut of mice and humans, impacting immune cells responsible for autoimmune diseases and hypertension. Probiotics ameliorate disease symptoms in mice.
Researchers discovered that a blood-clotting protein, fibrinogen, stops adult stem cells from producing myelin, preventing brain cell repair. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as MS and other conditions affecting the nervous system.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered unique micro-RNA molecules in the blood that can diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) and predict its progression. These findings hold promise for developing a definitive diagnostic test, which could lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes for people with MS.
Multiple sclerosis is believed to be a single disease with varied symptoms due to the same underlying biological mechanism: immune system attack on nerve cells. Computational simulations support this hypothesis by reproducing the variability of disease courses seen in patients.
A new study at Yale University identified changes in the brain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) using MRI scans in children. The researchers found that approximately 42% of children with abnormal MRI findings developed clinical MS symptoms within two years, highlighting the importance of closer follow-up for this high-risk group.
Researchers have successfully completed a Phase II clinical trial showing that an FDA-approved antihistamine restores nervous system function in patients with chronic multiple sclerosis. The drug, clemastine fumarate, repairs damage inflicted on myelin, speeding transmission of electrical signals in the nervous system.
A new iPhone app called MS Mosaic aims to improve multiple sclerosis management by tracking patients' daily and weekly symptoms. The app collects data through various surveys, performance tests, and wearable device integration, providing insights for more tailored treatment.
A study published in Frontiers in Neurology has found strong associations between healthy lifestyle factors and reduced pain levels in people with multiple sclerosis. Regular exercise was shown to increase pain threshold and tolerance, while a balanced diet and no smoking were also linked to lower pain levels.
Researchers found significant reductions in fatigue severity in people with MS who underwent transcranial direct current stimulation. The treatment, which is non-invasive and can be delivered remotely, showed promise in improving fatigue levels and quality of life for patients.
The Cleveland Clinic research team will conduct the first head-to-head trial comparing two treatment approaches for relapsing-remitting MS. The study aims to determine which approach is better at slowing brain volume loss, is safer, and more effective.
Researchers used gene therapy to stop the immune response that causes multiple sclerosis in mouse models, producing near-complete remission. The treatment combined a brain-protein gene with an existing medication, showing significant potential for treating multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders.
A potent gene immunotherapy strategy induces robust immune tolerance in mice with multiple sclerosis, reversing symptoms and stabilizing brain function. The treatment, using a viral vector to deliver myelin sheath protein, protects against disease progression and restores mobility.
A study published in the Annals of Neurology found a link between adolescent concussions and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis. The study, which analyzed over 7,000 patients, found that repeated head trauma was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of developing the condition.
A recent study demonstrated that the prospect of monetary reward stimulates the fronto-striatal network, resulting in reduced cognitive fatigue in individuals with MS and healthy controls. This nonpharmacological approach shows promise for treating cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
Researchers identified two cytokines and genetic markers associated with progressive MS, which may enable the development of a treatment to prevent disease progression. A simple genetic test could identify patients at risk, and a medication is already in development.
Researchers identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its related protein D-dopachrome tautomerase as closely related cytokines associated with progressive MS. A genetic test could identify patients at risk of developing the disease, accelerating drug development for precision medicine.
A new four-year project will collect data on three methods of delivering a self-management course to reduce MS-related fatigue and improve quality of life. The study aims to test online and teleconference-based adaptations of the course, which has shown effective results in reducing fatigue when delivered in-person.
A new clinical trial aims to explore the effectiveness of modafinil, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a combination of both in reducing MS fatigue. The study will provide valuable insights to help patients and clinicians make informed decisions about treatment options.
A new study suggests that correcting vitamin D deficiency in young and middle-age women can reduce their future risk of multiple sclerosis. Deficient levels of vitamin D were found to be associated with a higher risk of developing MS, with a 39% decrease in risk for each 50 nmol/L increase.
The PCORI Board approved $38 million to fund five studies comparing different treatment approaches for people with multiple sclerosis. The projects will focus on topics such as fatigue management and exercise programs to improve care delivery and patient outcomes.
Researchers identified specific gut microbes associated with multiple sclerosis, suggesting they play a role in regulating immune responses and potentially contributing to disease progression. The study found that certain bacteria can trigger pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses in the immune system.
Researchers found significant differences in bacterial genera between MS patients and healthy controls, with Acinetobacter and Akkermansia being more abundant in patients. Exposure to extracts from these bacteria increased proinflammatory T cell differentiation and inhibited regulatory T cell differentiation.
Kessler researchers found that traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes cognitive fatigue by activating the caudate nucleus, a key brain region. This discovery has important implications for developing effective treatments.
Researchers found a strong biological link between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis (MS) across three racial groups. The study found that blacks, Hispanics, and whites who had mononucleosis were more than two to nearly four times more likely to develop MS than those who did not.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that MS drug cladribine improves patients' mobility and self-care, in addition to reducing relapses. The benefits were significant enough for the European Medicines Agency to adopt a positive opinion on licensing the oral preparation.
Dr. John DeLuca has been awarded the Fred Foley Award for his outstanding contributions to advancing research in cognitive impairments in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). His work aims to improve quality of life by developing effective non-invasive treatments to minimize the effects of MS on cognitive performance.
A five-year federal research grant will fund studies on the gut microbiome's role in MS, led by Yanjiao Zhou. The research aims to investigate how intermittent fasting alters the gut microbiome and may reduce MS symptoms.
University at Buffalo researchers have developed a method to compare human and rodent cells, providing insight into gene expression patterns conserved across species. This approach identified a new gene involved in myelin repair that may become a therapeutic target for MS patients.
A recent study from the University of Illinois sheds light on what may be happening in the brains of MS patients during upper respiratory infections. Researchers found an increase in glial activation and elevated levels of chemokine CXCL5, which could lead to a drug intervention to inhibit relapses.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of Iowa found a human gut microbe, Prevotella histicola, that effectively suppresses immune disease in a mouse model of MS. The study suggests that this microbe may play a role in treating MS, an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system's attack on the myelin sheath.
A study published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal shows that resistance training can protect the brain and delay disease progression in people with multiple sclerosis. The research, conducted over six months, found that those who engaged in resistance training had less brain shrinkage and even small brain areas began to grow.
Women who breastfed for 15 months or more have a reduced risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to those with no breastfeeding. The study, published in Neurology, found that this association held true even when considering factors like age and ovulation.
A recent study suggests that the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may impede the brain's ability to repair itself in diseases like multiple sclerosis. The virus produces a protein called U94 that can impair the normal function of cells in the brain, potentially accelerating disease progression.
A study found that MS patients with higher scores on a standardised questionnaire were more likely to die in the next 10 years. The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) asks patients to rate their symptoms, which can help doctors predict clinical outcomes and tailor treatment.
A randomized double-blind study involving 51 participants found a 68% improvement in slowing whole brain atrophy in patients with secondary progressive MS. Lipoic acid also improved walking times and reduced falls compared to placebo.
Shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers is essential for optimal MS treatment and quality of life. The process involves working together to select tests, treatments, and care plans, taking into account evidence-based treatments and lifestyle factors.
Researchers at UMD's Jewell Laboratory have developed a precision system using quantum dots to control the display of self-antigens, promoting tolerance and elimination of paralysis in pre-clinical mouse models. This breakthrough could pave the way for more selective and effective therapies for MS and other autoimmune diseases.
Alemtuzumab's phase III trial datasets reveal a massive re-population of B cells in MS patients, leading to secondary autoimmune disease. The study suggests controlling this 'overshoot' may limit risk and make the drug more effective.
A study found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have impaired ability to understand others' feelings and intentions, linked to subtle brain changes, particularly in the white matter of the brain. The results suggest a disconnect in the social brain network, affecting quality of life and daily interactions.
A Canadian clinical trial has discovered that minocycline, a common acne medication, can slow the progress of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in people experiencing their first symptoms. The treatment offers a safe and affordable alternative to current therapies, which can cost up to $40,000 per year.
A new treatment modality called PPCA has been discovered that targets the DNA damage in rapidly expanding T cells, reducing autoimmune damage in mouse models of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The therapy, which leverages p53 potentiation with checkpoint abrogation, selectively interrupts DNA damag...
A novel study has identified new biomarkers of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, revealing a central role for interferon gamma in brain inflammation. The research found that high serum interferon gamma levels activate astrocytes, triggering an inflammatory response and promoting the migration of autoreactive T lymphocytes into the brain.
John DeLuca, Ph.D., of Kessler Foundation has been awarded the Mentor-Based Postdoctoral Fellowship Award in Neuropsychological Rehabilitation from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The five-year grant will support Kessler Foundation's postdoctoral fellowship training program and fund research on cognitive deficits in MS.
A comprehensive study by UBC researchers found an increased risk of stroke, migraine, depression, and abnormalities in the blood with beta interferon treatment. The study complements previous observations and highlights the need for further research on developing biomarkers to identify patients at greatest risk.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that axonal loss in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not the sole cause of chronic disability. The researchers discovered a substantial loss of synaptic connections in the MS spinal cord, which may drive disability. This new understanding could help identify targets for new treatments.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have identified Age-associated B Cells (ABCs) as a key driver of autoimmune diseases such as lupus and Crohn's disease. The study found that ABCs cause the immune system to attack organs and tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a neural stimulation system that improves walking ability for stroke and MS patients. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) significantly helped patients walk more effectively, with one patient covering nearly a mile and another gaining balance and confidence.