Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that PD-L1 is significantly increased in the spinal cord and infiltrating lymphocytes of mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis. This suggests that PD-L1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found that women who are obese at age 20 are twice as likely to develop MS later in life. Additionally, those who used hormonal contraceptives for at least three months were 35% more likely to develop MS compared to non-users, highlighting a potential contributing factor to the rise in MS cases among women.
Researchers found an antibody to KIR4.1 protein in the blood of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) years before symptoms appeared, suggesting a potential role in disease development. The study's findings may help detect MS earlier, enabling better treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that self-generation may be influenced by variables such as task meaningfulness during learning and memory in MS. Significantly more words were recalled from the generated condition, indicating a more effective learning strategy.
Researchers found that discarding data from subjects with multiple sclerosis who exhibit significant head movement during fMRI may bias sampling away from those with lower cognitive ability. This could lead to skewed results if not addressed by correcting for motion or recruiting a diverse range of participants.
A study found that watching videos of tasks before performing them can boost brain structure and increase motor skills in healthy adults. The group who completed this type of training showed significantly improved motor skill abilities compared to those who watched landscape videos.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new type of regulatory blood cell that can fight hyperactive T-cells causing chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis. The cells express FoxA1, which suppresses inflammation and degeneration of the brain.
A new study reveals that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent among people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and OSA risk is a significant predictor of fatigue severity. OSA may contribute to the debilitating fatigue experienced by MS patients, and clinicians should evaluate for underlying sleep disturbances.
A University of Michigan study finds 56% of MS patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, despite only 21% having an established diagnosis. The researchers suggest that treating sleep apnea may help alleviate fatigue in MS patients.
A study published in Neuron has identified a small protein, Endothelin-1, that can be targeted to promote repair of damaged brain tissue in multiple sclerosis patients. The molecule inhibits myelin repair, and blocking it or using genetic approaches may help restore myelin in the brain.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) to be a reliable predictor of employment status in people with MS, distinguishing employed from unemployed individuals. The study analyzed demographic and disease-related factors to identify predictors of employment status.
The FDA has approved a new multiple sclerosis treatment regimen developed at Wayne State University, which involves injecting Copaxone at a higher dose but fewer times per week. The study demonstrated that this dosing regimen is effective and safe, with reduced relapse rates and improved tolerability.
A multicenter research team led by Cedars-Sinai neurologist Nancy Sicotte used a new automated technique to identify shrinkage of the right hippocampus in women with multiple sclerosis and depressive symptoms. The study found reduced size of the right hippocampus, while the left remained unchanged.
Researchers found that epsilon toxin from Clostridium perfringens kills brain's myelin-producing cells and targets other cells associated with MS inflammation. The toxin may be responsible for triggering MS in genetically susceptible individuals.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that the risk of relatives developing multiple sclerosis is lower than previously thought. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 individuals diagnosed with MS in Sweden, revealing a seven-fold increased risk for siblings and a five-fold increased risk for children of MS patients.
A large-scale US study reveals that people with multiple sclerosis have a decreased life expectancy compared to the general population. The median lifespan of MS patients was found to be 6 years less than that of non-MS individuals, with annual mortality rates being significantly higher.
A new study found that low levels of vitamin D in early MS patients are associated with increased disease severity and progression. Increasing vitamin D intake could help stave off symptoms, according to researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A study found that higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower risk of new brain lesions, relapses, and faster decline in brain volume. Patients with low vitamin D levels early on may experience long-term increased MS activity and progression.
Patients with multiple sclerosis in Taiwan may be at a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, particularly breast cancer, according to a recent study published in European Journal of Neurology. The nationwide population-based cohort study found an 85% increased risk of cancer development among MS patients compared to controls.
A Swedish study found a dose-dependent inverse association between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The researchers suggest that patients with MS may not need to completely abstain from alcohol.
A pilot study will test the effectiveness of self-generated learning in individuals with multiple sclerosis who have memory and learning difficulties. Researchers aim to improve memory performance, functional performance, quality of life, and satisfaction with treatment.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered that an antioxidant called MitoQ can significantly reverse a multiple sclerosis-like disease in mice. The treatment reduced inflammation, demyelination, and neurological disabilities, showing promise for treating MS.
A new MRI approach called quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) has been validated for measuring Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression. QSM provides a quantitative way to measure myelin content and iron deposition in the brain, which are important factors in MS physiology. The study demonstrated that using the correct model can separ...
Researchers found that MSCs from MS patients exhibit higher senescence and decreased expression of immune system markers, suggesting a potential problem with autologous stem cell transplants. Allogenic bone marrow stem cells may be a preferable treatment option to maximize their therapeutic potential.
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that vitamin D appears to block damage-causing immune cells from migrating to the central nervous system, potentially preventing or easing symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The research suggests that vitamin D may slow a process allowing T cells to grab onto blood vessel walls.
A study published in Neurology suggests that a vaccine used to prevent tuberculosis may help prevent multiple sclerosis in people showing early signs of the disease. After six months, vaccinated individuals had fewer brain lesions than those who received a placebo, with 58% not developing MS compared to 30%.
A team at Gladstone Institutes has developed a molecular sensor that can detect the earliest signs of multiple sclerosis, including heightened thrombin activity in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to early diagnosis and treatment options, shedding light on the underlying molecular processes that drive the disease.
A randomized controlled trial found that a modified Story Memory Technique (mSMT) improved learning and memory in people with MS, leading to better daily functioning and increased satisfaction. The effects persisted for six months, providing first Class 1 evidence for cognitive rehabilitation in MS.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of multiple sclerosis, revealing warning signs and potential treatments. Researchers found that antibodies can break past the brain's protective barrier to attack the optic nerves and spinal cord, causing MS symptoms.
Researchers found aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume, improves memory, and enhances connectivity in individuals with MS. Aerobic exercise resulted in significant benefits for memory but not other cognitive functions.
A new study by Kessler Foundation scientists investigates the neural correlates of cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis using functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging. The findings suggest a 'fatigue-network' in persons with MS, which could help define the pathophysiology of this symptom.
Researchers found greater BOLD activation in brain areas typically activated by MS patients during task performance when exposed to warmer temperatures. This suggests neural inefficiency and may impact independence, education, employment, and daily activities.
Researchers found increased iron deposits in deep gray matter of patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a precursor to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study also revealed subtle brain damage and lack of correlation between iron deposits and jugular vein diameter, casting doubt on the Zamboni hypothesis.
Researchers have identified a variant of common soil-based pathogen Clostridium perfringens type B as a potential multiple sclerosis trigger. The bacterium produces a toxin that targets damaged tissues in MS patients, with levels of epsilon toxin antibodies found to be 10 times higher in MS patients than healthy controls.
Scientists have identified a new approach to treating multiple sclerosis by boosting oligodendrocyte precursor cells, which can repair damaged nerve fibers. A Parkinson's disease drug called benztropine was highly effective in treating a standard model of MS in mice, both alone and in combination with existing therapies.
A recent 'gold standard' imaging study found no significant difference in rates of venous narrowing among people with MS, their unaffected siblings, and unrelated individuals. The study suggests that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is not a valid theory for multiple sclerosis.
A definitive imaging study has found no connection between vein narrowing and multiple sclerosis, challenging the controversial CCSVI theory. Venous narrowing was present in over two-thirds of people with MS, their siblings, and healthy volunteers, but differences were not statistically significant.
Tel Aviv University researchers discover that compounds found in marijuana can prevent inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis. The study uses mice with MS-like symptoms to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and THC.
A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology found that resveratrol actually worsened MS-like neuropathology and inflammation in mice. Resveratrol did not show anti-inflammatory or neuroprotective effects, contradicting previous claims about its benefits.
Researchers have identified 48 new genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis, nearly doubling the number of known risk factors and shedding light on the immune system's role in the disease. The study, led by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, confirms the critical involvement of genetic factors in MS development.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a promising vitamin D-based treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) that can halt and even reverse the course of the disease in a mouse model. The treatment involves giving mice with MS symptoms a single dose of calcitriol, followed by ongoing vitamin D supplements throug...
Researchers have developed a novel molecular probe detectable by PET imaging, providing the first non-invasive visualization of myelin integrity in the entire spinal cord. The discovery brings new hope for accurate diagnosis and prognosis, allowing clinicians to monitor disease progression and evaluate therapy efficacy.
Researchers at the University of Chicago are developing a new therapy for multiple sclerosis using exosomes containing specific microRNAs that promote myelination. The therapy has shown promising results in improving brain health and may also be useful in slowing the degradation of myelin with normal aging.
A Rutgers University professor's advanced analysis of cerebrospinal fluid has found that multiple sclerosis may originate in the gray matter of the brain, challenging long-held assumptions about the disease. This new understanding could lead to more effective treatments and earlier diagnoses.
Researchers aim to understand factors that make immune cells target the spinal cord and brain, leading to multiple sclerosis (MS). The study will determine the function of specific T cells, how they are generated, and how they can be regulated in model systems of MS and humans.
An animal study shows that sleep increases the reproduction of oligodendrocytes, which form myelin in the brain and spinal cord, doubling their numbers during rapid eye movement sleep. This could lead to new insights into the role of sleep in brain repair and growth.
A Kessler Foundation researcher has reported pilot results from a virtual reality executive function task, distinguishing between participants with multiple sclerosis (MS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and healthy controls. The study assessed executive functions such as planning and problem-solving in a virtual office setting.
A McMaster University study published in PLOS ONE found no abnormalities in the veins of MS patients, contradicting a popular CCSVI theory. The research examined 100 MS patients and 100 healthy controls, using ultrasound and MRI to test for venous blockages.
Researchers developed a test to measure the ability to recognize and name famous people, finding that those with early onset dementia performed significantly worse on the test. The study also found correlations between brain tissue loss and difficulty in recalling names or faces.
A study found that regional gray matter atrophy in multiple sclerosis is associated with cognitive decline and emotional abnormalities. The atrophy primarily affects the cingulate and frontal cortices of the dominant hemisphere, leading to neuropsychological problems.
A large clinical study found no evidence that THC slows progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. However, participants at the lower end of the disability scale showed some benefits. The study suggests that further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience has identified a compound called activin-A that helps trigger the regeneration of protective sheaths around nerve fibers in the brain. This finding could lead to new drug targets for enhancing myelin regeneration and restoring lost function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers found that patients with high educational levels show less impairment on a neuropsychological evaluation compared to those with low educational levels. Higher education was found to be protective against disease-associated cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients.
A study by Kessler Foundation researchers found that brain reserve and cognitive reserve can protect against cognitive decline in multiple sclerosis patients. The research used imaging studies to estimate brain reserve and disease burden in 62 patients, as well as measuring early-life cognitive leisure as a source of cognitive reserve.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that analyzes electro-magnetic waves for detecting multiple sclerosis changes in fine detail. This method provides a more powerful tool for evaluating new treatments and could lead to smaller studies.
A phase 1 clinical trial shows a new treatment safely reduces immune system reactivity to myelin in multiple sclerosis patients by 50-75%. The therapy, which uses specially processed white blood cells, preserves the function of the normal immune system. Researchers hope to launch a phase 2 trial to prevent MS progression.
Current MS treatments focus on dampening the immune system, but Dr. Peter K. Stys suggests an alternative: addressing nervous system degeneration as a primary cause of the disease. Recent studies indicate that neuronal structures are also damaged in MS.
A study found no correlation between interleukin 17F levels and treatment response to interferon beta-1b therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study concludes that using immune-based biomarker signatures may help identify response markers.
Researchers have discovered that genetically engineered immune cells can promote healing in mice infected with a neurological disease similar to multiple sclerosis. The new finding suggests that immune cells could be engineered to create a new treatment for people with MS.
Scientists have developed two new indicator molecules that can visualize the activation of auto-aggressive T cells in the body, shedding light on the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. The indicators enable researchers to track T cell activity and activation patterns in real-time, offering new avenues for drug development.