Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A large-scale study found a significant association between autoimmune diseases and increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. People admitted to hospital for autoimmune diseases were 20% more likely to be readmitted for dementia compared to those with other conditions.
A new study published in Neuromodulation found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with computer games significantly improved cognitive measures in patients with multiple sclerosis. The treatment showed greater gains in complex attention and response times compared to those who played computer games alone.
A UC Riverside study found that chronic demyelination is closely linked to seizures in MS patients, with specific neurons being lost and hyperactivity increasing. The researchers hope to develop drugs aimed at reducing seizures, which could also benefit epilepsy patients.
A type of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been shown to slow or stop MS disease progression for up to five years in nearly half of patients, with significant benefits seen in younger patients and those with relapsing-remitting MS. However, the treatment carries a small risk of death and is not suitable fo...
A study of 281 patients with aggressive MS who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation found a 46% five-year progression-free survival rate. Younger age, relapsing form of MS, and fewer prior immunotherapies were associated with better outcomes.
A new therapeutic agent, ST266, has been shown to prevent loss of cells in the optic nerve and reduce inflammation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Early treatment with ST266 improved visual function and prevented damage to the optic nerve.
A research team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has revealed how FTY720 suppresses chronic inflammation in the central nervous system to reduce pathogenic activities of astrocytes. The findings suggest this treatment may hold promise for progressive and difficult-to-treat forms of multiple sclerosis.
High-dose immunosuppressive therapy followed by stem cell transplantation has been shown to induce sustained remission in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Five years after treatment, 69% of participants had survived without progression or relapse, with some showing improvements in mobility and physical capabilities.
A new study found that serum microRNAs are associated with MRI measures of multiple sclerosis severity, suggesting they could serve as biomarkers. The research identified distinct microRNA sets linked to lesions and atrophy, which may help identify underlying disease processes and guide therapeutic decisions.
A team led by Prof Dr Aiden Haghikia and Prof Dr Ralf Gold report two patients who developed severe symptoms under alemtuzumab, a common MS treatment. The researchers successfully treated the side effects with a new algorithm that could benefit other patients worldwide.
Ocrelizumab has been shown to significantly reduce new attacks in patients with relapsing MS, slow symptom progression in primary progressive MS, and decrease brain lesions. The drug also demonstrated lower rates of disability progression and fewer infusion-related reactions compared to placebo.
A study of 6.6 million people found that those living within 50 meters of a major road had a small increased risk of developing dementia, with up to 7-11% cases potentially attributed to traffic exposure. The study also found no link between traffic exposure and Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
A study of over 6.5 million Ontario residents found that those living within 50 meters of high-traffic roads had a seven percent higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those further away. The risk increased with proximity, but not for Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have made significant strides in treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) with ocrelizumab, a medication that targets immune cells contributing to the disease. The study, led by UTHealth's Jerry Wolinsky, shows substantial improvement in slowing disability progression and reducing new lesion formation.
Assistant Professor Leah Shriver aims to find new ways to promote nervous system regeneration and prevent destruction of brain cells in multiple sclerosis patients. She plans to study the cuprizone intoxication model to understand mechanisms contributing to oligodendrocyte and myelin loss.
Professor Ari Waisman receives prestigious Sobek Prize for groundbreaking multiple sclerosis research, enabling deeper insight into inflammatory cell role and regulation in the brain.
Research finds that high levels of free haemoglobin in the blood are associated with increased brain shrinkage in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that treatments targeting haemoglobin levels, rather than iron, may be a more effective approach to slowing disease progression.
Researchers have shown that macrocyclic MRI contrast agents may reduce the risk of gadolinium brain deposition, a concern for patients with multiple sclerosis. Macrocyclic agents were found to minimize deposits in the cerebellum, whereas linear agents posed a higher risk.
A recent study found that newborns with low vitamin D levels were more likely to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. The study analyzed data from over 500 Danish children born between 1981 and 2012, comparing their vitamin D levels to those of similar children without MS.
Researchers discovered a new signal path in the RAS that influences immune cells, specifically phagocytes, which play a key role in MS development. The Mas receptor's influence on macrophages could provide an anti-inflammatory treatment option for chronic inflammatory diseases.