Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers found antibody levels in African American MS patients were 29% higher than Caucasians, linked to increased disability and shorter disease duration. Genetic background differences may contribute to this disparity.
A new study found that blacks with multiple sclerosis have significantly higher levels of an antibody in their spinal fluid than Caucasians, suggesting genetic factors contribute to the difference. The discovery may help explain why black patients are more likely to experience severe symptoms when they develop MS.
Purdue researchers used CARS imaging to study how the myelin sheath is degraded by lysophosphatidylcholine. The findings suggest that calcium ions activate enzymes that break down proteins and molecules in the myelin, leading to its degradation. This research may lead to new treatments for multiple sclerosis.
A large Canadian family study found that both fathers and mothers with multiple sclerosis equally transmitted the genetic risk of the disease to their children. The study contradicts previous findings suggesting men may be more likely to pass on the risk, contradicting the Carter effect.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified alphaB-crystallin as a protective protein that plays a critical role in multiple sclerosis. The protein, normally found in the lens of the eye, can reverse paralysis and suppress inflammation in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic application.
A glucosamine-like supplement called GlcNAc has been found to suppress the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes mellitus. In studies on mice, GlcNAc inhibited the growth and function of abnormal T-cells that incorrectly direct the immune system.
A pilot study at UCLA found that testosterone gel reduced MS symptoms, slowed brain degeneration, and increased muscle mass in men with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study suggests a possible neuroprotective effect of testosterone treatment in men with MS.
A small pilot study suggests that testosterone treatment is safe and well-tolerated and may reduce symptoms, slow brain degeneration, and increase muscle mass in men with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Testosterone treatment showed a possible neuroprotective effect on the brain.
Researchers analyzed post-mortem brain slices using 3T and 7T MRI, revealing 7T's ability to detect more MS lesions. This advancement can delay disease conversion and improve monitoring of neurological deficits in multiple sclerosis patients.
A new drug under investigation for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) shows promising results in reducing new brain lesions and frequency of relapses. Researchers at the Montreal Neurological Institute found that rituximab significantly improved treatment outcomes, providing a clearer picture of the role of B-cells in MS.
Research suggests that heavy drinkers have smaller brains than non-drinkers, with moderate to high drinkers showing significant reductions in brain volume. The study found a 1.6% decrease in brain volume for those who consumed over 14 drinks per week.
Two studies suggest that rituximab, a therapeutic antibody targeting B-cells, reduces brain lesions and relapses in multiple sclerosis patients. The treatment was generally safe and well-tolerated.
A study found that exercise can improve aerobic fitness and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis. After an eight-week aerobic cycling regimen, participants showed significant improvements in aerobic fitness, triglyceride levels, and resting blood pressure.
Research presented at the American Academy of Neurology's meeting found that more women are developing MS than men, with a nearly 50% increase in the female-to-male ratio over the past few decades. The study suggests that various changes in lifestyle and environmental factors may be contributing to this trend.
A study published in PNAS reveals that deactivating the protein cyclophilin D can protect nerve fibers in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Researchers hope to develop drugs that target this protein to treat the progressive form of MS, which affects half of all patients.
The International Pediatric MS Study Group has published a supplement on pediatric MS research and care, highlighting the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment. The study group aims to improve understanding of MS in children and adolescents, and its management, with the goal of enhancing international collaborative research.
Researchers developed a combined imaging method using three microscopic techniques to study the molecular mechanisms of multiple sclerosis. The technique enables the analysis of living tissue, revealing details about astroglial filaments and myelin sheath degradation, which could lead to earlier detection and new treatments.
Researchers found that natalizumab significantly reduces vision loss and likelihood of sustained vision loss in patients with relapsing MS. The drug's potential benefits must be weighed against its risks, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that natalizumab reduces both visual loss and disability in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Vision loss is a common symptom of MS, and this study provides strong validation for a simple measure of visual function.
Researchers found that modified bone marrow cells reduced MS symptoms, nerve damage, and increased tissue debris clearance when injected into mice with EAE at disease peak. The study opens up further research avenues for human multiple sclerosis treatment.
Immunology researchers at Jefferson University have found that blood-brain barrier damage correlates with multiple sclerosis (MS) severity. The study used mice models and found that permeability changes are critical in disease development, with even mice lacking immune system components able to develop disease.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that immunomodulatory agents can slow multiple sclerosis progression but are only prescribed to a minority of cases. Women and Caucasians were more likely to receive these treatments, highlighting disparities in care.
A study of 445 MS patients found that 29% prioritize medical treatment, while 19% seek socio-economic support, including household adaptations and transport provision. The researchers developed an MS satisfaction tool to assess quality of care and identify gaps in provision.
A promising pilot study has led to a larger clinical trial of estriol as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. The trial aims to recruit 150 women and measure relapse rates over two years, potentially providing a new, affordable option with dual benefits of reducing inflammation and protecting the brain from damage.
A fibrous protein called fibrinogen promotes multiple sclerosis (MS) when it leaks into the brain, triggering inflammation. Researchers at UCSD have identified a specific receptor that binds to fibrinogen and inhibit this inflammation process.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that men are more likely than women to achieve functional independence after receiving clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) following a stroke. The study found that despite lower survival rates, men had better outcomes at three months post-treatment.
Researchers discover that pregnancy-related hormone prolactin encourages spontaneous production of myelin, a fatty substance coating nerve cells, potentially leading to treatment for MS. Prolactin therapy aims to promote repair and improve symptoms in people with MS.
A recent study found that the extent of brain tissue loss and lesion load at diagnosis can predict the rate of brain atrophy over two years in MS patients. Baseline MRI variables, including brain volume and T2 lesions, are associated with subsequent brain volume change.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with 'benign MS' for 10 years are at risk of disease progression after 20 years. After 20 years, nearly half of those with benign MS had progressed to a point where they needed a cane to walk.
A nationwide study found that despite high insurance coverage rates, many individuals with MS struggle financially due to unaffordable healthcare costs. The study revealed a significant proportion of participants made lifestyle changes, skipped medication doses, or went without essential necessities to pay for healthcare needs.
A study of over 2,300 individuals from 1,000 families found that family members with MS tend to have similar ages at disease onset, but not disease severity. The researchers also discovered no correlation between disease progression and severity among siblings or parents and children.
A review of nearly 500 articles found nearly one in 1,000 people have multiple sclerosis (MS) and 67 out of 1,000 elderly Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. The study also reported a 50% drop in traumatic brain injuries and updated rates for stroke, Parkinson's disease, and childhood disorders like autism and cerebral palsy.
Researchers found that increased HO-1 expression and carbon monoxide administration protect mice from MS. Mice lacking HO-1 develop more severe disease, but administering carbon monoxide reverses symptoms in already affected mice.
A recent study suggests that parasite infection may alter the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) by affecting the immune response. MS patients with a parasite infection showed fewer clinical relapses and less disability compared to uninfected controls.
Uric acid may promote early intervention against chemical damage to neurons following spinal cord injury or stroke. The compound can stimulate astroglial cells to produce transporter proteins that carry harmful compounds away from damaged neurons.
Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health found an association between higher vitamin D levels and a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that increasing vitamin D levels may prevent many cases of MS, with benefits potentially extending to preventing osteoporosis.
Research suggests a strong association between higher circulating vitamin D levels and reduced risk of multiple sclerosis among white individuals. The study found a significant decrease in MS risk with increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, especially among those measured before age 20.
Researchers have identified a molecule, osteopontin, that plays a central role in relapses of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteopontin promotes the survival of T cells that carry out the damaging attack on myelin, increasing their destructive potential.
SUNY Downstate researchers develop a substance that inhibits the progress of multiple sclerosis in an animal model. The agent, a novel calpain inhibitor, can be administered orally and has shown promise in treating both acute and chronic phases of MS.
A USC study has identified a crucial protein involved in the formation of myelin, which could lead to new treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The research discovered that a protein called Par-3 plays a central role in regulating myelination by interacting with other molecules.
Researchers at Monash University will use stem cell therapies to treat autoimmune diseases like MS and diabetes by targeting a rogue immune system. The $5.23 million program aims to develop new treatments without excessive immunosuppressive regimes.
Researchers have identified how the body's own immune system contributes to nerve fiber damage in multiple sclerosis. B-cells damage axons by inhibiting energy production, leading to degeneration and death. This finding could aid therapy development for this chronic disease.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified a new mechanism of action for FTY720, an immunosuppressant drug that also inhibits the activity of key enzyme cPLA2, driving inflammatory disorders. The inhibition may shut down the entire inflammatory pathway without side effects.
The Phase 3 clinical trial of Fampridine-SR demonstrated a consistent improvement in walking speed, with 34.8% of participants showing a significant increase compared to 8.3% on placebo. The study also showed a statistically significant improvement in leg strength and a reduction in disability reported by daily activities.
Researchers found that nicotinamide can protect against nerve damage in the chronic progressive phase of MS, preventing disability. Nicotinamide increased levels of NAD, which reduced neurologic deficits and protected axons from further degradation.
Researchers found that estrens improved bone strength in mice with osteoporosis but also had adverse effects on reproductive organs and human breast cancer cells. This study suggests caution is needed for the development of estrens as a treatment for osteoporosis.
A study found widespread damage to normal-appearing brain tissue in patients with multiple sclerosis, affecting large fractions of white and gray matter. This damage plays a larger role in disease progression than visible lesions.
A new study of twins found that genetic susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis is significantly increased among those born in the northern environment, with a higher concordance rate among identical twins. Northern residence also contributed to an earlier onset of the disease, suggesting environmental factors play a crucial role.
A specific signal in cells in the nervous system aggravates MS symptoms, which could be alleviated by blocking related proteins. Blocking these proteins is promising as a strategy for new therapies against MS.
A new study found that men with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to pass the disease to their children than women. The researchers discovered that fathers with MS have twice as many children who develop MS as mothers with the disease.
This article discusses various aspects of multiple sclerosis (MS) management in veterans, including the use of medical informatics, healthcare information systems, and patient education. The study highlights the importance of effective care models, registry development, and provider education to improve outcomes for MS patients.
Researchers found that eliminating a molecular switch allows immune cells to enter the central nervous system (CNS), leading to symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis. Eliminating this switch prevents destructive immune cells from entering CNS tissue, keeping mice healthy.
Research suggests that initiating MS therapy with an immunomodulating drug as soon as possible following a diagnosis can significantly reduce future disease activity and progression of disability. Studies have shown that delaying treatment is associated with more progression of disability and larger volumes of disease damage.
Researchers found that suppressing interferon-gamma can prevent damage to myelin-producing cells in the nervous system. Transgenic mice with SOCS1 gene showed reduced symptoms and cell loss compared to those without it.
Researchers found that T cells responding to Epstein-Barr virus-encoded nuclear antigen1 (EBNA1) are hyper-reactive and produce interferon-gamma, which shapes immune responses. This hyper-reactivity may trigger the destruction of myelin sheathing in nerve cells, leading to MS.
A new MS Research Centre will be established at the University of Edinburgh to develop therapies for Multiple Sclerosis using latest techniques and investigate repairing damaged nervous system parts. The centre aims to unlock MS mysteries and potentially lead to a cure, with £2.5m funding from JK Rowling and MS Society Scotland.
Researchers explore risk factors for dementia, including the Mediterranean diet and obesity, as well as novel treatments for Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Experimental therapies also show promise in treating ALS and stroke, with potential applications in other neurodegenerative diseases.
A new clinical trial launched by Mount Sinai aims to determine whether a combination therapy is more effective than individual treatments in slowing or halting progression of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. The study will recruit 1000 patients and assess the impact of treatment over 36 months.
Researchers found elevated antibodies to EBV in individuals with MS, persisting up to 20 years before symptoms. The study suggests a strong link between EBV and MS risk, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
Researchers found a significant association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis (MS), with elevated antibody levels before symptom onset. The study suggests Epstein-Barr virus may predispose individuals to autoimmunity, paving the way for new treatments and prevention strategies.