Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that smoking decreases frequencies of MAIT cells in healthy individuals and patients with multiple sclerosis. This discovery sheds light on the effects of smoking on the immune system, potentially revealing pathogenic mechanisms contributing to autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have discovered a new cellular mechanism - an underlying defect in brain cells - that may cause multiple sclerosis. A protein called Rab32 is present in large quantities in the brains of people with MS but virtually absent in healthy brain cells.
A preliminary study suggests that removing Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells and boosting the immune system may improve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Three participants showed significant improvements, including one person with secondary progressive MS who was able to walk without assistance for the first time in 20 years.
A new study reveals that people with multiple sclerosis can show signs of the disease five years before its official diagnosis. Researchers analyzed health records from 14,000 patients with MS and found that they were more likely to visit their physicians and fill prescriptions earlier than others.
Scientists have identified two genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The double gene mutation was found in a large Canadian family with five members diagnosed with MS, revealing new insights into the disease's origins and potential targets for treatment.
Researchers developed an experimental treatment that tames the immune system in rodents, restoring movement to paralyzed mice. The approach may combat autoimmune diseases in humans, as demonstrated in mouse models of multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have restored nerve insulation and improved limb mobility in mice with multiple sclerosis by treating them with a microRNA called miR-219. The treatment reinvigorated the function of damaged cells that produce myelin, allowing it to reform and reinsulate nerves.
Researchers at U of A have identified a potential target for treating multiple sclerosis by discovering an underlying defect in brain cells. The study found that two sub-components within a cell are miscommunicating in patients with MS, triggering dysfunction and toxicity for brain cells.
Scientists at UTMB and Duke University Medical Center found a new gene interaction that increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. This discovery could lead to more accurate tests to identify those at greatest risk and potentially uncover new avenues for treatment.
A new home-based telemedicine program will be developed and pilot-tested to treat multiple sclerosis patients. The program, funded by a $100,000 Genentech grant, aims to improve care for people with advanced MS living in medically underserved communities.
Researchers at UMass Amherst are creating an improved diagnostic test to help track symptoms and diagnose patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. The two-year project aims to detect subtle changes in sensory and motor function, enabling early treatments to slow disability progression.
A controlled study by UBC-Vancouver Coastal Health research shows no added benefit from opening narrowed veins in treating multiple sclerosis. The findings debunk the claim that patients could achieve dramatic improvements from liberation therapy, an invasive procedure with significant financial cost and risk of complications.
Researchers have used modified red blood cells to deliver disease-specific antigens, preventing and alleviating multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes in early stage mouse models. The approach shows promise for inducing tolerance and could lead to new therapies for autoimmune diseases.
A preliminary study found that individuals with relapsing-remitting MS who experience fatigue and limited leg function are at higher risk of progressing to secondary progressive MS. The study suggests that tailored treatments may be more effective for these patients, providing valuable insights into predicting MS progression.