Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers found that genetic variants of the S1P1 receptor influence fingolimod's effectiveness in treating multiple sclerosis. The study used mouse models to demonstrate that an S1PR1 variant affecting phosphorylation ability led to reduced fingolimod efficacy, and treatment with a CCR6-blocking antibody delayed disease progression.
A University of Michigan study found an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Treating OSA with CPAP therapy may help improve cognitive function in these patients.
Researchers developed PET tracers that can visualize inflammatory disease and evaluate next-generation MS therapies. The study found that the compounds could detect an increase in S1P1 expression in animals with an inflammatory response, suggesting a promising approach for imaging MS and other inflammatory diseases.
A new treatment uses chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation to fully halt clinical relapses and development of new brain lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis. Eight patients showed a sustained improvement in disability 7.5 years after treatment.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified 12 subclasses of oligodendrocytes and a novel cell distinct from oligodendrocytes residing in blood vessels, uncovering unexpected diversity within the nerve-insulating cells.
A clinical trial shows that an intensive procedure replacing the diseased immune system with a new one using blood stem cells can eliminate all signs of brain inflammation in people with early, aggressive multiple sclerosis. The treatment resulted in zero clinical relapses and no new active inflammatory lesions over 4-13 year follow-up.
Lawrence Steinman, MD, receives the fifth Anthony Cerami Award in Translational Medicine for his pioneering work on multiple sclerosis. His monograph explores translational research and teamwork in achieving medical breakthroughs.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that can directly cause the development of multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease affecting 2 million worldwide. The mutation in NR1H3 gene leads to loss of function of its protein product LXRA, controlling lipid homeostasis and inflammation.
Scientists have discovered a single genetic mutation that causes multiple sclerosis in two-thirds of those affected, providing a potential target for therapies. The mutation leads to a defective protein that disrupts communication between the brain and body, resulting in vision problems, muscle weakness, and cognitive impairments.
A new gene, ANKRD55, has been discovered to play a significant role in the neuro-inflammation process of Multiple Sclerosis. The study found that genetic variants associated with MS increase the production of ANKRD55 transcripts in immune cells, suggesting a key gene involved in deregulation.
A new study suggests that a fasting-like diet can reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis by triggering a death-and-life process for cells, which appears critical for the body's repair. The diet promotes regeneration of myelin, the sheath of proteins and fats that insulate nerve fibers, and improves immune function.
Research suggests that people who take foreign breaks have higher levels of vitamin D in their blood, which has been linked to wide-ranging health benefits. Farmers also have higher levels of vitamin D, particularly those over 60 years old.
A recent study reveals differences in gut bacteria between children with and without multiple sclerosis. Key findings include an association between MS and increased inflammatory bacteria, as well as decreased anti-inflammatory bacteria. The discovery may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches by identifying novel drug targets.
A new study links MS drug mitoxantrone to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, with patients treated with the medication being three times more likely to develop the disease. However, the overall rate of cancer was low enough that the researchers suggest continuing its use for severely affected patients.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that dietary tryptophan can limit brain inflammation in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. In human patients, decreased levels of these molecules were observed, hinting at a possible link between gut flora and neurodegeneration.
Researchers found that yoga and aquatic exercise significantly improved symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including reduced fatigue, depression, and paresthesia. The study, involving 54 women with MS, showed a significant reduction in moderate to severe depression in those who exercised three times a week.
In a study, MS patients showed more severe moral judgments than average, even in neutral conditions, attributing negative emotions to external causes. This 'externally oriented thinking' helps them minimize damage but also leads to an inability to reflect on emotions and identify real causes of their negative emotional state.
Researchers at the Center for BrainHealth will investigate how changes in brain blood flow affect cognition in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). They will use fMRI to examine cerebral blood flow and neural metabolic rate, aiming to pinpoint the brain systems responsible for cognitive slowing in MS.
A new study found rituximab more effective in preventing relapses among patients with highly active multiple sclerosis switching from natalizumab. Patients infected with JC virus showed a significant reduction in clinical relapse risk after treatment switch to rituximab.
A new study found that at-home cognitive remediation training using a computer program can significantly improve cognitive test scores in people with multiple sclerosis. Participants who used the program for 12 weeks showed a 29% improvement, compared to a 15% improvement in the placebo group.
A preliminary study found that clemastine fumarate partially reversed optic nerve damage in people with MS. The drug improved transmission signal times by an average of 2 milliseconds per patient, suggesting possible myelin repair.
Researchers at University of Queensland have developed a new plant-derived drug, T20K, that can block the progression of multiple sclerosis. The treatment, extracted from the Oldenlandia affinis plant, has shown success in an animal model and may offer a new quality of life for people with the debilitating disease.
A small study suggests Zika virus may be associated with an autoimmune disorder attacking the brain's myelin, similar to multiple sclerosis. Researchers found six people developed neurologic symptoms consistent with autoimmune disorders and underwent exams and blood tests, revealing signs of damage to the brain's white matter.
A study in east London found higher MS prevalence among Black people and South Asians compared to their ancestral countries, suggesting an increased environmental influence on the disease. The researchers propose that exposure to environmental agents or behaviors may facilitate MS development.
A study found that people newly diagnosed with MS are more likely to have depression and other chronic conditions. The study also showed that the rates of these conditions differ between men and women with MS.
A video game-based cognitive rehabilitation program improved thalamic functional connectivity and boosted cognitive abilities in multiple sclerosis patients. The study found that increased connectivity reflected the brain's plasticity and promoted cognitive rehabilitation for people with neurological diseases.
Children born to mothers with vitamin D deficiency during early pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adulthood. The study found a significant association between maternal vitamin D levels and MS risk in offspring.
Dr. Silvana L. Costa has been awarded a Switzer Research Fellowship by NIDILRR to investigate processing speed deficits in Multiple Sclerosis. Her research aims to understand the complex interaction between sensorial, cognitive, and motor processes affected by MS.
Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that high daily coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of multiple sclerosis. The study, based on data from two population studies, suggests that caffeine's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in this link.
Dr. Ekaterina Dobryakova will explore factors associated with disabling fatigue among individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) using a non-pharmacological intervention. The study aims to identify an endogenous factor that can alleviate cognitive fatigue, which would be a revolutionary development in MS rehabilitation.
Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic approach using nanomedicines called Navacims that can reprogram white blood cells to become regulatory cells capable of blunting autoimmune responses. The treatment has shown promising results in preclinical models of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania's Smell and Taste Center reveals that brain scars caused by MS may be responsible for taste deficits in patients. The research found that patients with more lesions on their brains had worse taste functions, especially salty and sweet tastes.
Researchers identify subset of first-degree relatives at higher MS risk; study to map events leading from health to disease. The Genes and Environment in Multiple Sclerosis (GEMS) project aims to develop interventions to block MS onset.
Researchers at University of Nottingham have developed a new MRI technique to distinguish between multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions and other brain white spots. The study shows that this clinical MRI scan can accurately diagnose MS in a significant minority of cases, potentially leading to quicker and more reliable diagnosis.
A study published in Neurology found that people taking natalizumab for multiple sclerosis have a higher risk of developing JC virus-related infections, which can lead to fatal brain disease. Researchers monitored levels of anti-JC virus antibodies in patients treated with natalizumab and found a significant increase in risk.
Researchers identify microglia cells as primary cause of cognitive problems in MS patients, disrupting communication between nerve cells. The findings suggest that the disease's impact on cognition is more complex than previously thought, with potential new targets for treatment.
A study published in Nature Immunology identified Trabid, a protein regulator, as a key component in regulating interleukin genes and promoting autoimmune inflammation in multiple sclerosis patients. This finding suggests that Trabid may be a potential therapeutic target for treating inflammatory diseases such as MS.
Researchers found that high doses of vitamin D3 supplements reduced inflammation and disease activity in people with relapsing-remitting MS. The study suggests vitamin D may be a potential treatment option for managing MS symptoms.
A study found that taking high-dose vitamin D3 supplements can reduce the percentage of T cells related to MS activity, leading to a decrease in interleukin 17 levels. The results suggest that vitamin D may be an inexpensive, safe, and convenient treatment option for people with multiple sclerosis.
The study found that stromal cells, specialized fibers, and T helper 17 cells collaborate to form tertiary lymphoid tissues (TLTs) in the brain of MS patients. This discovery may lead to potential treatment options, such as targeted Th17 blockers, by understanding how TLTs are formed.
A new mouse model study suggests that the death of specific brain cells may trigger an autoimmune response against myelin, a characteristic of multiple sclerosis. Nanoparticle therapy has been shown to prevent this reaction, offering potential new treatments for humans.
Multiple sclerosis may be triggered by the death of brain cells that make the insulation around nerve fibers. Nanoparticles have been shown to prevent progressive MS in an animal model, offering new hope for human treatments without side effects.
Researchers identified a nuclear receptor protein called RXRgamma, which promotes OPC differentiation and remyelination. A vitamin D-activating drug may enhance remyelination in MS patients by controlling myelin sheath regeneration.
Researchers have found that Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus can infect and replicate in human neurons. This discovery suggests viral infection could underlie at least some symptoms of brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a potential new pathway for treating multiple sclerosis by suppressing granzyme B, an enzyme that damages nerve cells. By inhibiting granzyme B with serpina3n, they found significant reduction in MS symptoms in human cells and pre-clinical models.
A Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled study found that taking estriol along with conventional medications helped RRMS patients avoid relapses. Estriol treatment improved cognition and prevented brain atrophy, potentially providing a one-two punch against the disease.
Researchers have developed a simple and rapid way to treat an immune-related disorder in mice, which could eventually help multiple sclerosis patients. The approach attaches disease-related protein fragments to spleen cells, preventing brain and spinal cord inflammation.
Researchers discovered that macrophages and monocytes actively participate in multiple sclerosis progression, exacerbating disease severity through stress signals. The study highlights the significance of the crosstalk between the peripheral immune system and brain, opening new avenues for potential therapies.
Scientists at the University of Adelaide have identified a key protein, CCR2, involved in a 'super-inflammatory' immune response driving multiple sclerosis (MS) and autoimmune diseases. Blocking this receptor may help control MS progression.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found participants with MS had significantly higher peak aerobic capacity and muscle strength when using computerized dynamometers and recumbent steppers. This challenges conventional methods that may underestimate participants' capabilities, highlighting the need for more effective exercis...
A recent study by McGill University researchers has made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms responsible for multiple sclerosis and identifying potential new treatments. By targeting a subset of B cells known as GM-CSF-producing B cells, the therapy shows promise in reducing disease activity.
Research found that long-chain fatty acids promote CNS reactive immune cells, while short-chain fatty acids regulate autoimmune responses. The study suggests a potential role for dietary interventions in managing multiple sclerosis.
A study published in Immunity suggests that dietary fat impacts the severity and duration of autoimmune flare-ups in mice. Short-chain fatty acids were found to alleviate symptoms by promoting regulatory T cells, while long-chain fatty acids exacerbated inflammation.
A study from the Gladstone Institutes reveals that a single drop of blood in the brain can trigger an autoimmune response akin to multiple sclerosis. Fibrinogen, a blood-clotting factor, activates microglia and recruits peripheral immune cells, causing myelin damage and inflammation.
A study of people with multiple sclerosis found that those who spent time in the sun every day during their teenage years developed the disease later than those who did not. The study also found that people who were overweight at age 20 developed the disease earlier than those who were average weight or underweight.
Researchers found that people with MS who experienced neuro-ophthalmic symptoms, such as blurred vision and nystagmus, performed poorly on visual neuropsychological tasks like the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). This suggests that these individuals may have residual delays in visual processing speed.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that GANT61 increases myelin production by 50% and recruits neural stem cells to repair damaged areas of the brain. The treatment also improves symptoms in mice with multiple sclerosis, including paralysis and leg weakness.
Researchers found that the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) can predict performance on daily living tasks. The study used Actual Reality technology to assess internet access and ordering tasks, showing poor BICAMS scores correlated with poor task performance.
Research reveals plummeting melatonin levels in spring and summer may trigger multiple sclerosis relapses. Melatonin treatment restored T cell balance and improved clinical symptoms in a mouse model of the disease.
A study published in Cell suggests that melatonin levels correlate with MS symptom severity, particularly during the fall and winter months. Researchers found that melatonin has a protective effect on immune cells, dampening the immune response and reducing disease progression.