Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
A UTSA professor has developed an underwater virtual reality game that helps relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The 'Shark Punch' game uses smart phones and dive masks to create a immersive experience, while also providing a form of aquatic therapy.
Researchers from Duke University have identified two specific receptors, CXCR2 and LTBR, that play a key role in the development of drug-resistant multiple sclerosis. The study found that targeting these receptors may lead to successful treatment for patients who do not respond to interferon-beta treatment.
Researchers have found significant differences in men and women's brain function, with some genetic variants influencing susceptibility to multiple sclerosis. The study suggests a personalized strategy for prevention and treatment, taking into account gender-specific contributions.
A large international study found that living in northerly climes is linked to an earlier age of starting MS symptoms. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients and found that each 10° increase in latitude was associated with a 10-month earlier onset.
Researchers have identified 200 genetic loci linked to multiple sclerosis, a disease where the immune system attacks the brain and spine. The study, which analyzed over 110,000 samples, highlights the complex interplay of different immune cells in MS susceptibility.
Researchers found that alemtuzumab improved disability scores by at least one point in nearly 28% of participants, compared to 15% of those receiving interferon. The treatment also showed significant improvements in thinking skills and mobility without tremor or clumsy movements.
Researchers discovered a molecule, VGF nerve growth factor, triggered by running can help repair damaged nerve insulation in the brain. This finding could pave the way for new treatments for multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disorders.
University of Groningen scientists discovered that tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2) is essential for preventing neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. A specific TNFR2 agonist may prevent cell death, offering a new treatment direction.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that structural instabilities in the myelin sheaths of neurons may enable the immune system to launch an uncontrolled attack on them, leading to multiple sclerosis. The study suggests a potential trigger for the disease's outbreak and offers new avenues for therapies and diagnostics.
A recent study at Mayo Clinic and other academic medical centers identified common conditions mistaken for multiple sclerosis, revealing potential risks of misdiagnosis. The research highlights the need for better clinician education on using diagnostic criteria to avoid premature or incorrect MS diagnoses.
A study by researchers at four US medical centers found that common conditions are frequently misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, leading patients to receive unnecessary treatment. The study identified five primary diagnoses that mimic MS symptoms, resulting in long-term misdiagnosis for some patients.
A clinical trial at the University of Iowa will compare the effects of two popular diets on multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. The 36-week trial will recruit 100 people with relapsing-remitting MS and follow their health for 24 weeks, monitoring their health and activities.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method using the Microsoft Kinect to evaluate gait abnormalities in multiple sclerosis patients. The device detects movement and computer algorithms quantify walking patterns, reducing human error. The technology shows promise for diagnosing gait pathology and tracking treatment effects.
A long-term study found that starting medication for multiple sclerosis at the earliest sign of the disease can prolong the time before a definitive diagnosis is made. Participants who received early treatment had 33% fewer diagnoses of MS, more time between relapses, and lower yearly relapse rates compared to those on delayed treatment.
Researchers developed an antibody that prevents the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath, reducing demyelination and axon degeneration. In experimental mouse models, treatment with the antibody blocked progression of motor disorders and reduced lymphocyte infiltration into the nervous tissue.
The National Stem Cell Foundation has funded a grant to study how astrocytes can be manipulated to halt or prevent neurodegeneration in diseases like MS and Parkinson's. The researchers aim to advance understanding of cell cross-talk in the central nervous system.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found altered gut microorganisms in patients with multiple sclerosis, including those treated with therapy. These changes correlated with immune system gene activity and breath methane levels. The study supports the connection between gut microbiome and immunological disorders like MS.
Researchers have found fecal transplants to be effective in treating certain infections and diseases, including C. difficile colitis with a 95% cure rate. The transplantation of stool from healthy individuals also shows promise in treating multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease.
Researchers at Aarhus University discovered how simvastatin reduces inflammation in chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The study found that simvastatin acts as a 'plug' in proteins retaining immune cells, reducing inflammation and improving symptoms.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry reveals that inflammation of the hippocampus contributes to depressive symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients. Hippocampal immune activation was linked to more severe symptoms of depression and altered functional connections with other brain regions.
A comprehensive review article examines the role of gut bacteria and viruses in MS development and progression. Alterations in gut microbiome composition may influence immune system activity and autoimmune disorders like MS.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that obesity in early adulthood is associated with a significantly increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The research, led by Dr. Brent Richards, used Mendelian randomization to investigate the link between genetically determined obesity and MS risk. The study found that an averag...
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found a distinct gut microbiome in multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy individuals. The research suggests that patients with MS have reduced levels of beneficial bacteria, which are associated with overall health benefits.
Scientists identified four new risk genes linked to epigenetic mechanisms in MS, which affect gene regulation within immune cells. These findings suggest that environmental influences play a significant role in the development of MS, with epigenetic signals marking DNA sequences and regulating gene activation.
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 recent review by University of Alberta researchers found little evidence to support the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for various health conditions. Strongest effects were seen in reducing falls and fractures among the elderly. Moderate supplementation is unlikely to cause harm but will not lead to significant health benefits.
Researchers found that cerebral microbleeds are associated with increased physical and cognitive disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The study suggests that monitoring MS patients with cerebral microbleeds could be crucial in preventing further decline.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.