Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
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.
Researchers link high blood pressure to multiple sclerosis and suggest a safe, inexpensive drug lisinopril could be an effective treatment option. The study found that lisinopril controls blood pressure by blocking an enzyme that converts angiotensin's precursor into the active hormone.
A study published in Neurology found that smoking is associated with an increased risk of brain lesions and brain shrinkage in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Smokers with MS had nearly 17% more brain lesions and 13% larger ventricles compared to non-smokers.
A study by neuroimaging specialists found that MS patients who smoked for six months or less had more brain tissue destruction and brain atrophy than nonsmokers. The study also showed that smoking was associated with increased physical disability and more brain lesions in MS patients.
A new experimental treatment, GIFT15, has been shown to completely reverse multiple sclerosis in mice by suppressing the immune response. The treatment, which combines two proteins, may also be effective against other autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease and lupus.
A study published in Neurology found that nearly 30% of people with benign MS significantly worsened over five years. Cognitive tests and brain scans revealed that men with more brain lesions were nearly three times more likely to experience MS signs compared to women.
The model system will help understand causes of myelin-related conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis. Researchers plan to use the new model to explore origins of diabetic neuropathy and test new drug therapies.
Researchers identified a gene that allows immune cells to start self-destructive processes underlying autoimmune diseases. The study found that the presence of the Batf gene enables T cells to produce inflammatory Th17 cells, which can lead to autoimmune conditions.
Patients with multiple sclerosis who smoke experience a more rapid progression of their disease, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Neurology. Current smokers had significantly more severe disease at the beginning of the study and were more likely to have primary progressive MS.
Researchers found that biochemical signals inhibit oligodendrocyte development, hindering myelin repair in multiple sclerosis. The Wnt pathway's role in myelin production and repair has been identified as a key factor in the disease's progression.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge and UCSF have identified the Wnt pathway as a crucial determinant of brain stem cells' ability to repair damaged tissue. The study's findings open up new avenues for developing therapies that block the Wnt pathway, potentially enhancing remyelination in MS patients.
The study identified the B1-receptor as a key player in regulating T cell entry into the central nervous system. Activation of this receptor slows down T cell entry and reduces clinical symptoms of inflammation in multiple sclerosis, suggesting a potential new target for therapy.
Tel Aviv University researchers found that 50% of happiness is genetically determined, with positive psychology exercises improving participants' happiness levels by up to 30%. The study aims to bridge the gap between psychology and clinical medicine, exploring physical benefits of mental well-being.
Researchers at UCF create first lab-grown motor nerves with nodes of Ranvier, a breakthrough that could improve understanding of demyelinating conditions and enable new drug therapies. The team plans to use the model system to explore the origins of diabetic neuropathy and identify targets for new treatments.
A study found that the Gpx5 protein helps protect immature mouse sperm from oxidative stress, which is associated with fertility issues and miscarriages. In contrast, high levels of IL-21 are linked to an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases in multiple sclerosis patients treated with alemtuzumab.
Researchers have identified two new genetic locations linked to Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The discovery offers promising targets for disease susceptibility and may lead to the development of novel therapeutics.
Researchers have gained new understanding of the disease through a groundbreaking animal model, revealing that B cells play a critical role in its development. The study also highlights the importance of aggressive T cells, which attack brain tissue and trigger antibody attacks by B cells.
Women with MS who breastfeed exclusively for at least two months have a lower risk of relapse within a year after birth. Prolonged lactational amenorrhea is associated with a decreased risk of relapse in women with MS.
Researchers found that a diabetes drug, pioglitazone, significantly reduced gray matter loss in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. The treatment showed no adverse reactions and was well-tolerated.
Researchers at McGill University found that statin therapy can inhibit myelin repair in Multiple Sclerosis patients. The study suggests a negative impact of long-term statin therapy on remyelination and oligodendrocyte number.
Two studies in the American Journal of Pathology demonstrate stromal caveolin-1 as a prognostic marker for breast cancer progression, correlating with reduced metastasis levels. Additionally, researchers have identified novel biomarkers for chronic kidney disease progression, predicting progressive renal fibrosis and glomerular filtrat...
A new study found that adding oral methylprednisolone to interferon beta-1a therapy significantly reduces the relapse rate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The treatment was associated with a threefold lower relapse rate compared to placebo.
A new study suggests that adding a steroid drug to multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment can significantly reduce disease activity. Researchers found that participants who received both the steroid and interferon beta-1a had 38% fewer relapses than those receiving only the interferon drug.
A ten-year follow-up study of the CHAMPIONS trial shows that early treatment with AVONEX significantly reduces MS relapse rates and improves patient outcomes. Patients treated immediately after their first episode had a lower chance of experiencing a second attack, with 80% having an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score less t...
A retrospective study of 2,854 Italian patients with MS found leukemia occurred in .74% of those treated with mitoxantrone, significantly higher than previously reported rates. The study highlights the need for careful hematological follow-up to check for acute leukemia.
Multiple sclerosis researchers discover that the immune system targets gray matter in addition to myelin, damaging nerve cell bodies and leading to irreversible destruction of axons. The newly identified protein Contactin-2 plays a critical role in this process.
A new study shows that taking cladribine tablets just a few times a year can dramatically reduce the chances of a relapse or deterioration of multiple sclerosis. Patients who took part in the trial suffered very few side effects, making it an effective oral therapy without constant injections.
Patients who received three infusions of TYSABRI reported significant improvements in general and disease-specific measurements of quality of life (QoL) and cognitive function. Cognitive functioning was assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Cognitive Functioning Scale, with higher scores indicating improved cognition.
UCSF researchers found a correlation between glutamate toxicity and neurodegeneration in MS patients, suggesting a new method for tracking disease progression. The study's findings may lead to improved monitoring of treatment and the development of new therapies.
Scientists discover that quinoline compounds inhibit S100A9's pro-inflammatory effects on white blood cells involved in immune regulation. This new mechanism may provide insights into the early stages of autoimmune disease development.
Researchers have found promising results with stem cells obtained from a patient's own adipose tissue in treating multiple sclerosis. The treatment, known as stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell therapy, has shown dramatic improvement in symptoms for three patients with MS.
A new study of 20,000 MS patients and 204,000 controls found a 10% lower overall cancer risk for people with MS compared to those without the disease. However, this came at the cost of higher risks for brain tumors and urinary organ cancers, increasing by up to 44%
A three-year study funded by the MS Society is investigating whether infection with hookworms can lead to an improvement in the severity of multiple sclerosis. The trial, which involves 72 patients, aims to determine if the worms can provide a simple, cheap, natural treatment for the condition.
Researchers at University at Buffalo and Italy's University of Trieste found a potential link between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS). Higher levels of anti-EBV antibodies were associated with increased loss of gray matter and total brain volume over time.
A Phase III study found that fampridine improved walking speed and leg strength in patients with multiple sclerosis. The drug also showed promise in reducing fatigue and improving endurance. However, adverse events were reported in some patients, highlighting the need for further research on its treatment profile.
A Phase 3 clinical trial found that fampridine improves walking ability in some individuals with multiple sclerosis, with 34.8% of participants experiencing a significant increase in walking speed. The study suggests that fampridine could represent an important new treatment for MS-related mobility issues.
A study by American Academy of Neurology reveals that young smokers are 2.7 times more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than non-smokers. Early smoking is identified as a key environmental factor that can be avoided to reduce the risk of the disease.
A study of pregnant women with MS found that those who breastfed exclusively had lower relapse rates than those who did not or stopped early. Women who delayed starting MS treatments to breastfeed also experienced faster return of menstrual periods.
Researchers found a direct link between vitamin D and a genetic variant associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may increase the risk of offspring developing MS later in life.
A phase I/II study of autologous non-myeloablative haemopoietic stem cell transplantation in 21 adults with relapsing-remitting MS found that the procedure can stabilize and may reverse neurological disability. After an average follow-up of 3 years, 81% of patients improved by at least 1 point on a disability scale.
A clinical trial at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis experienced significant improvements after receiving an autologous non-myeloablative haematopoietic stem-cell transplant. The disease stabilized in all patients, with 81% showing improvement.