Two new studies challenge the CCSVI theory, concluding that blood flow insufficiency does not contribute to MS development. The research refutes the controversial hypothesis, suggesting that venous congestion plays no significant role in MS formation.
A new study found that a gene variant may increase the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, with those having the AA genotype experiencing earlier relapses and increased disease activity. The GG genotype was associated with less disease activity and fewer relapses.
Researchers at UCI have found a new diagnostic tool for multiple sclerosis by detecting increased levels of antibodies that inhibit energy production in neurons. This breakthrough could lead to earlier and more effective treatment for the chronic disease.
A study by Caltech researchers found that specific intestinal bacteria can induce MS-like symptoms in animals, suggesting a link between gut microbes and the disease. The bacteria, from the segmented filamentous bacteria group, were able to replicate and cause inflammation in both the gut and central nervous system.
Researchers at UCLA suggest brain atrophy in hippocampus region may be responsible for depression in people battling multiple sclerosis. A specific sub-region of the hippocampus was found to be smaller in MS patients with depression, and excessive cortisol release from HPA axis was also detected.
A new study published in Neurology found that mentally active lifestyles may reduce the negative effects of brain damage on learning and memory in people with multiple sclerosis. Participants with enriching lifestyles showed better scores on tests of learning and memory despite higher amounts of brain damage.
Research reveals a mechanism for autoimmune disease that depends on killer T cells expressing dual receptors for normal proteins and pathogens. The study found that viruses lacking the specific protein can still trigger the disease, suggesting a complex interplay between viral infections and genetic predisposition.
A UCI study identifies the body's immune system as a key player in navigating transplanted stem cells to injured areas in the central nervous system. Adult neural stem cells were shown to be guided by CXCR-4 receptors and chemokine proteins to specific sites, where they differentiated into oligodendrocytes to repair damaged tissue.
A new study suggests that T helper cells, previously thought to mediate autoimmunity, actually suppress the development of experimental immune encephalomyelitis in mice. The findings indicate that these cells can inhibit the growth of Th17 cells, which are believed to be responsible for causing multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at UCF are exploring new ways to potentially reverse the damage caused by multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders. The team will study the breakdown of myelin, a substance that coats and protects nerves, with the goal of developing new drugs that can reverse the damage and improve patient outcomes.
A small trial of bone marrow stem cell therapy in patients with MS found the procedure to be well-tolerated and suggested potential benefits. The study's results, published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, provide a promising lead for further research into this emerging treatment option.
A breakthrough finding from Tel Aviv University may lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective intervention, and perhaps even a cure for multiple sclerosis. Researchers have uncovered new ways of detecting MS in the blood through their research at Sheba Medical Center, allowing for potential early treatment.
Research suggests that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased disability, brain atrophy, and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients. Studies found that higher levels of vitamin D3 and its metabolism byproducts were linked to better scores on disability tests and fewer lesions on MRI scans.
A recent MS study analyzed identical twins to identify environmental factors contributing to the disease. The research found that environmental factors play a significant role in multiple sclerosis development, with genes influencing but not determining individual susceptibility.
Patients with multiple sclerosis reported significant improvements in quality of life, physical function, and cognitive abilities after one year of TYSABRI treatment. Fatigue and overall well-being also showed notable reductions.
A new study found that statins can reduce the incidence of new brain lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis by 55.3% compared to a placebo group. This could be meaningful for patients as new lesions are reliable correlates of future clinical attacks.
A new investigational treatment, DMQ, has been shown to effectively control pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study found a significant improvement in test scores after 12 weeks of treatment.
Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine present studies on a potential new drug for multiple sclerosis and surprising trends showing reduced disease severity. The studies found that teriflunomide was safe and effective as part of combination therapy, reducing lesion size and volume in the brain.
A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, suggests that higher latitudes may lead to lower levels of vitamin D due to reduced sunligh...
A new study found that smoking increases MS risk in individuals with high levels of Epstein-Barr virus antibody, but not those without it. The research suggests a link between smoking, immune response to the virus, and MS development.
The study supports the utility of Chronix's serum DNA tests to predict clinical status and monitor disease activity in multiple sclerosis. The findings show that the approach can differentiate periods of active disease attacks from stable periods, providing a real-time measure of disease activity.
Researchers found that moderate levels of UV radiation reduced MS symptoms in mice, suggesting a potential link between sunlight and the disease. The study suggests that compounds produced in the skin may play a role in blocking autoimmune damage, paving the way for potential new treatments.
A study found that Epstein-Barr virus infection increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis by many folds, implicating EBV as a contributing factor. The research followed hundreds of thousands of individuals without EBV infections over several years, providing strong evidence for a causal link.
Researchers from Catholic University of Rome discover that a non-pathogenic bacterium can trigger an autoimmune disease similar to multiple sclerosis in mice. The study suggests that environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disease, and could potentially lead to the development of a vaccine.
Highly fit multiple sclerosis patients perform significantly better on tests of cognitive function than similar less-fit patients. Aerobic fitness has a protective effect on parts of the brain most affected by MS, leading to better performance on tasks that measure processing speed.
A Phase 2 trial showed that daclizumab combined with interferon beta reduced MS lesion formation by 72 percent compared to interferon beta alone. The treatment also increased a subset of natural killer cells, associated with a decrease in disease activity.
Researchers found that adding daclizumab to standard treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis reduced the number of new or enlarged brain lesions. The study also showed an increase in immune cells called CD56bright natural killer cells, which may help regulate the immune system.
A large-scale study found that women with multiple sclerosis (MS) are 47% more likely to develop migraines than those without. The research suggests a link between the two conditions, but further investigation is needed to determine causality.
Researchers found daclizumab, a monoclonal antibody, can reduce new lesion formation in relapsing multiple sclerosis compared to standard interferon beta treatment. The study suggests expanding regulatory CD56bright natural killer cells may play a key role in daclizumab's effects.
Researchers found that 18% of people with an initial stroke had a recurrent stroke within four years, and the risk of recurrence rose steadily after one year. The study highlights the need for better secondary stroke prevention strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity rates.
A large multiple sclerosis study found that 62.5% of participants exhibited venous insufficiency, a condition linked to blood flow restrictions in the brain. The study suggests a potential association between CCSVI and MS disease progression.
A preliminary study found that drinking milk during pregnancy can reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in babies. The study, presented at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting, revealed that high milk and vitamin D intake during pregnancy lowered the risk of MS by up to 56%.
A new study by neurology researchers at the University at Buffalo found that blacks with multiple sclerosis (MS) have more damage to brain tissue and accumulate lesions faster than whites. This aggressive disease process in blacks is associated with reduced remyelination, a brain's ability to repair the protective myelin sheath.
A study by UCSF researchers found that low vitamin D blood levels are associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse attacks in childhood-onset multiple sclerosis patients. Increasing vitamin D levels can potentially decrease the rate of subsequent relapses.
A new oral drug Cladribine has been shown to significantly reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and deterioration, with no short-term side effects. The treatment, which only needs to be taken for 8-10 days a year, promises to change the lives of the 100,000 people in the UK affected by MS.
A novel mouse model of demyelinating disorder has been developed, revealing the critical role of gene ZFP191 in CNS myelination. The study found that mice with a mutation in ZFP191 exhibit severe deficiency in CNS myelination, leading to tremors and seizures.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology finds that transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is not effective in treating chronic low-back pain. Research shows conflicting results, but TENS may be beneficial for diabetic nerve pain.
The center will study autoimmune diseases, with a focus on multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, aiming to find new treatments by understanding the immune response mechanisms.
BG-12, an investigational oral therapy, shows promising results in reducing inflammation and neuroprotection in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The compound has activated the Nrf2 pathway, which defends against oxidative-stress induced neuronal death and supports myelin integrity.
A systematic review found that cannabis extracts reduced spasticity and improved mobility in multiple sclerosis patients. The study suggests that combined THC and CBD extracts may provide therapeutic benefits for MS spasticity symptoms.
A Scripps Research Institute study describes a new approach to identifying molecules that prevent autoreactive T cells from attacking the body. The method uses peptoids to visualize binding antibodies and has the potential to create new therapeutic discoveries for autoimmune diseases like MS and blood cancers.
A panel of MS experts provides comprehensive recommendations for selecting and managing patients with MS receiving TYSABRI. The guidelines emphasize the need to weigh treatment benefits against potential risks, including PML and serious adverse events.
MS patients experience high levels of withheld anger due to nervous system damage, not disease severity. This can disrupt interpersonal relationships and have negative effects on physical health, including high blood pressure and vascular disorders.
Researchers found that common human bacteria, specifically Porphyromas gingivalis, produce unique lipids that can enhance inflammatory responses and exacerbate autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. These lipids may serve as new markers of MS disease activity and targets for therapeutic intervention.
A new study published in Neurology shows pregnant women with multiple sclerosis are only slightly more likely to have cesarean deliveries and babies with poor prenatal growth rates than those without MS. Women with MS were not at increased risk for other pregnancy complications.
A recent study found that pediatric onset multiple sclerosis is more aggressive and causes more brain lesions than MS diagnosed in adulthood. However, patients with pediatric-onset MS develop disabilities at a slower pace than those with adult-onset MS, with an average delay of almost 10 years.
A study published in Neurology found that teenage women who are obese may be more than twice as likely to develop multiple sclerosis as adult women compared to female teens who are not obese. Weight during adolescence, rather than childhood or adulthood, is critical in determining the risk of MS.
Scientists observe aggressive T-cells breaching blood-brain barrier, crawling along vascular walls and forming connections with phagocytes. This breakthrough understanding may aid in developing new treatments for multiple sclerosis.
A study of 2,477 people with MS found that those who experienced relapses within five years of onset had a higher risk of needing a cane for walking. However, the impact of these early relapses diminished over time. The study suggests that younger people with MS may benefit from timely treatment to change the course of progression.
Researchers genetically engineered adult neural stem cells to express anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10, improving functional and pathological recovery from multiple sclerosis. These modified cells induced immunomodulation, nerve cell repair, and production of the nerve cell protective sheath.
Neurologists at the University at Buffalo are conducting a research study to test the possibility that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is the underlying cause of multiple sclerosis. The study aims to evaluate the velocity of blood flow through brain vessels and extracranial veins using Doppler ultrasound.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that a gentle touch application can decrease grip force required to lift objects in individuals with multiple sclerosis. This study suggests that applying a light touch from the opposite hand's finger may aid in regaining control and coordination, making everyday tasks more manage...
A new study published in The Lancet found that early treatment with glatiramer acetate can reduce the risk of progressing to 'full-blown' multiple sclerosis by almost half. The medication also showed efficacy in reducing MRI measures of disease activity and cumulative number of new lesions.
Multiple sclerosis patients taking TYSABRI reported significant improvements in both physical function and psychological well-being. After six TYSABRI infusions, patients experienced reduced symptoms and improved quality of life, as measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) and the 12-item Short Form Scale (SF-12).
A study of 499 patients with multiple sclerosis found that those using Avonex experienced significantly fewer injection site reactions, skin necrosis, and lipoatrophy than those on other interferon therapies. Additionally, more patients remained on Avonex over the one-year trial period.
A Mayo Clinic study has found two genes associated with good central nervous system repair in mice with multiple sclerosis. The identification of these genes may lead to the development of new therapies and a better prediction of patient outcomes.
Scientists found that natalizumab treatment reactsivate dormant JC virus, leading to PML. Measures of the virus in urine increased after 12 months, and blood samples showed presence in 60% of patients at 18 months.
A study published in Neurology found that smoking cigarettes significantly increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, particularly in women. In contrast, using Swedish snuff was not associated with an elevated risk for MS. The researchers suggest that nicotine may not be the primary substance responsible for the increased risk.
Researchers aim to discover proteins that cause MS, a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. The nationwide project could lead to effective treatments and cures.
Researchers found that ACE inhibitors and AT1R blockers suppressed immune cells promoting inflammation, while increasing anti-inflammatory immune cells, reversing neuroinflammation and paralysis in mice. Clinical trials are planned to investigate the efficacy of these medications in humans with multiple sclerosis.