Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
A new study suggests that exposure to epsilon toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens, may play a role in the development of multiple sclerosis. Antibodies against the toxin were found in 43% of MS patients in the UK, compared to 16% of control group participants.
A compound derived from immune cells has been found to treat psoriasis in mice, with the potential to be effective against other autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that the compound suppresses an inflammatory pathway that is overactive in these conditions.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have created a new disease model for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and MS using the TGF-β protein. This model shows that monocytes can transform into microglia-like cells in response to TGF-β, which could lead to the development of new immunotherapies for these devastating diseases.
Cognitive deficits affect 40-65% of MS patients, impacting daily living and employment status. Cognitive abilities decline when patients convert from RRMS to SPMS, particularly in learning new information and mental processing speed.
Expertise on DMTs is crucial for clinicians, and Dr. Coyle will cover induction versus escalation therapy, switching options, and stopping DMTs. With extensive experience in MS care and research, she aims to provide best practices on disease-modifying therapies.
A new study reveals that stroke survivors experience 'hidden' problems like sleep issues, depression, and fatigue, which can significantly affect their well-being. The study found that social support programs and executive function training may improve these areas.
A new drug, siponimod, has been shown to slow the progression of disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis for the first time. The trial involved 1645 patients and found that those given siponimod had a 21% lower risk of disability worsening compared to placebo.
Researchers identified an overabundance of calnexin protein in MS brain tissues, leading to resistance in mice models. This finding offers a promising target for developing new therapies to combat the disease.
Research suggests that living in areas with more sunlight, particularly UV-B rays, can lower the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Exposure in childhood and young adulthood is also linked to reduced risk. The study found a 45% reduced risk of MS in those living in sunnier climates compared to those with low UV-B ray exposure.
Researchers have proposed a new method of treating multiple sclerosis by using the EGFL7 protein to stabilize the blood-brain barrier and prevent immune cell migration. This approach has shown promise in model trials, reducing clinical symptoms and improving treatment outcomes.
A study suggests that consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and sardines, may lower the risk of multiple sclerosis. Researchers found a 45% reduced risk of MS among those with high fish intake compared to those with low or no fish consumption.
A new certification program for healthcare associates working with multiple sclerosis patients is now available. The MSHA Certification Examination covers fundamentals of MS and multidisciplinary management, including pharmacologic interventions and patient empowerment.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have shown that skin cells re-programmed into brain stem cells can help reduce inflammation and repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that using a patient's own skin cells could provide a personalized route to treating chronic inflammatory diseases like MS.
People with Multiple Sclerosis who experience stigma are more likely to suffer from depression, according to researchers. Having a strong support system and sense of autonomy can help reduce the negative effects of stigma.
Two studies found that women with MS who stop taking natalizumab before or after pregnancy experience increased disease activity and relapse rates compared to those who continue treatment. The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first trimester, but this rate is small and within the general population range.
Scientists have discovered key regulators that control the inflammatory response in chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis. The NOD2 pathway plays a critical role in detecting bacterial invaders, but faults in its regulation can lead to uncontrolled inflammation.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that extending natalizumab dosing intervals from every 4 weeks to 5-12 weeks significantly reduced the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but potentially fatal brain infection. The extended dosing regimen resulted in a 94% reduction in PML risk.
A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that balance and eye movement exercises can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their balance and reduce fatigue. The exercise program showed significant improvements in balance, fatigue, and dizziness scores compared to a control group.
Research reveals testosterone promotes a protective immune response in male mice by increasing IL-33 production, reversing symptoms in female mice with similar autoimmune disease. Sex differences in immune responses may underlie gender disparities in MS and other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers identified a guardian molecule triggered by testosterone that protects males from disease. Treatment with the molecule eliminated symptoms in female mice, offering hope for new MS therapies.
The Kessler Foundation has been awarded a major federal grant to train doctoral-level rehabilitation researchers in partnership with Rutgers University. The five-year grant aims to improve overall health and function of individuals with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
Researchers have developed a novel PET tracer that can measure damage from multiple sclerosis by targeting potassium channels, providing quantitative information about underlying biochemical processes. This breakthrough has the potential to improve diagnosis and monitoring for MS patients.
Dr. Helen Genova has been awarded a $44,000 grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to study emotional processing deficits in people with MS. The research aims to improve facial affect recognition and enhance quality of life for individuals with MS.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Mikael Simons from the Technical University of Munich discovered that cholesterol crystals can prevent regeneration in multiple sclerosis patients. The team also identified a novel oligodendroglial cell type involved in myelin formation, which may help develop new therapies for MS.
Researchers found that estrogen treatment exerts positive effects on immune cells in the brain and oligodendrocytes, providing complementary actions that protect against MS damage. Estrogen's protective effect is mediated by protein ERb, targeting both cell types for disease prevention.
Gene expression in specific cells and regions provides a more precise, neuroprotective approach than traditional treatments for neurological diseases. Increasing cholesterol synthesis gene expression in astrocytes of the spinal cord can repair nerves affected by walking in multiple sclerosis patients.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.