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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Cuba Gooding Jr. receives the award for his work raising awareness about multiple sclerosis, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The American Academy of Neurology recognizes his efforts to educate and support those living with MS.
Patients with relapsing forms of MS taking Betaseron experienced a sustained 40% reduction in annual relapse rates over 16 years. Long-term treatment showed slower disease progression, with those on therapy reaching EDSS 6.0 after a median time of 13 years.
A research team led by Bibiana Bielekova found that daclizumab increases the number of regulatory natural killer cells, which correlates with better treatment outcomes for MS patients. The study suggests that daclizumab may not damage the immune system but rather shifts its reaction from T-cells to natural killer cells.
Research findings clarify microglia's induction and blockage of oligodendrogenesis in MS, shedding light on disease mechanisms. The study highlights the complex interplay between microglial activation and oligodendrogenesis in MS.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation sheds light on the mechanism underlying microglia's behavior in multiple sclerosis. Researchers found that controlled inflammatory responses can restore damaged myelin and nerve function, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for MS treatment. Additionally, studies o...
Researchers have found that combining Lipitor with Glatiramer acetate can prevent or diminish paralysis in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model disease closely resembling MS. The study demonstrates the potential of this combination therapy for treating central nervous system autoimmunity.
Researchers found combining atorvastatin with glatiramer acetate significantly improved treatment outcomes for multiple sclerosis. The study showed a synergistic effect between the two medications, leading to better control of CNS autoimmunity.
Researchers found that combining immune modulating drugs can greatly reduce MS disease severity, with less myelin loss and CNS inflammation. The combination therapy utilized lower doses of each drug and promoted the secretion of anti-inflammatory molecules IL-10.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new potential biomarker for multiple sclerosis, a protein fragment called 12.5 kDa cystatin found in cerebrospinal fluid, which may help diagnose the disease and monitor treatment efficacy.
Two Stanford University neurologists warn that clinical trials can be disastrous when a drug with unknown side effects is tested on healthy patients. They advocate for stricter entry criteria to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
A study conducted by the NIH and NINDS evaluated patients treated with natalizumab for relapsing-remitting MS and found no new cases of PML. However, the researchers caution that the long-term risk associated with natalizumab treatment is unknown.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are exploring the potential of reparative cells to repair damage in multiple sclerosis. The study identifies specific injury cascades and molecular mechanisms that could be targeted for treatment, offering a new avenue for fighting this debilitating disease.
A new study found no new cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and confirmed three previously identified cases associated with natalizumab use. The risk of contracting PML may be as low as one in 5,000 or as high as one in 300.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found a connection between cataract development and cholesterol levels. Researchers discovered that rats with specific gene mutations had lower cholesterol levels in their eyes, suggesting an abnormality in epithelial cell maturation contributing to lens opacity. This link has ...
Researchers found that leptin blockade improved clinical symptoms of disease, slowed progression, reduced relapses, and reduced antigen-specific T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Additionally, the study suggests that leptin neutralization may be a potential way to treat multiple sclerosis.
Research reveals that blocking the fat hormone leptin can slow disease progression and reduce symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Leptin blockade improves clinical symptoms, slows disease progression, reduces disease relapses, and decreases antigen-specific T cells.
Researchers found that anandamide, a brain's own cannabis compound, protects neurons from inflammation after damage. Adding AEA to damaged brain tissue abolished inflammatory damage, but not primary excitotoxic damage.
A study found that azathioprine, an immunosuppressive drug, effectively suppresses new brain lesions in relapse-remitting MS patients. The treatment showed remarkable and stable reduction of new brain lesions over a period of 12 months.
A pilot study on an online information system for multiple sclerosis patients will be conducted using the software developed by Cerner Corp., enabling direct access to medical records and prescription drugs, as well as private e-mail correspondence with physicians.
Researchers have identified two proteins found in the Neurofascin gene that link glial ensheathment of nerve fibers to node formation. This breakthrough discovery may help find ways to improve nerve conduction in patients with conditions like MS.