Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
Neuroscientists at Thomas Jefferson University have found that glucosamine can significantly delay the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and improve movement in animal models. The anti-inflammatory effects of glucosamine may be useful in conjunction with existing treatments to help patients manage MS-related debilitating effects.
The new criteria allow for an earlier diagnosis of multiple sclerosis with minimal loss of diagnostic accuracy. The revised guidelines also reduce the number of MRI scans required to evaluate disease progression, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing MS and excluding alternative diagnoses.
A Stanford study finds that certain tryptophan metabolites can alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis, a condition affecting over 2.5 million people worldwide. The research suggests that diet and immunity are linked, with tryptophan playing a pivotal role in immune system regulation.
A new study at the University at Buffalo will explore the impact of cooling on exercise performance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The researchers aim to determine which cooling method is most effective and improve physical functioning and cardiovascular health.
A study found that patients with multiple sclerosis were more likely to carry a specific variation of the gene EBF-1, which is involved in axonal damage. The researchers also discovered that one version of the microsatellite within the gene was more frequently found in MS patients than healthy controls.
A study published in the Journal of Immunology suggests that the immune-cell substance MIF may be necessary for multiple sclerosis progression, but less important for initiating the disease. Researchers found that mice lacking MIF developed an acute phase of the disease, but then recovered without further signs of progression.
The Phase II study showed that FTY720 reduced annualized relapse rates by at least 50% during the first six months and maintained this rate for an additional six-month extension. Patients who switched to FTY720 after six months experienced a reduction of at least 70% in their annualized relapse rate compared to placebo.
Johns Hopkins researchers identify elevated levels of IL-6 in spinal fluid of patients with transverse myelitis, a condition that can lead to permanent paralysis. The study also found correlations between IL-6 levels and disease severity, shedding light on the mechanisms behind demyelinating disorders.
The study identifies aquaporin-4 as the target molecule of the NMO antibody, a significant finding that deviates from previous research on multiple sclerosis. The discovery may lead to the development of new therapies for neuromyelitis optica and other autoimmune disorders.
A definitive gene screen has confirmed the major histocompatibility complex genes' significant influence on multiple sclerosis (MS) genetics. The study, which analyzed genetic data from over 730 families, found critical implications for future MS research directions.
Researchers at Yale University have developed two ways to induce MS symptoms in mice, revealing a key distinction between disease-causing and non-disease antibodies. The study brings the team closer to pinpointing accurate diagnostic tools for individual MS patients.
A study of 1,001 women found that oral contraceptive users had a 40% lower incidence of multiple sclerosis compared to non-users. Pregnancy also showed a lower risk, while the postpartum period increased the risk of MS onset. Estrogen levels may play a role in these findings.
The study found that repeated administration of interferon beta-1b decreased the rate of new 'black hole' lesions but did not affect their duration. This suggests that the drug may be neuroprotective but does not change the underlying pathological process in multiple sclerosis.
A new study found that telephone-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (T-CBT) significantly improved depression symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The treatment was more effective than supportive emotion-focused therapy (T-SEFT) and showed lasting gains.
Research confirms that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to develop conditions such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, and other demyelinating disorders. The studies found a nearly two-fold increased risk of multiple sclerosis in IBD patients, highlighting the need for closer monitoring.
Dr. Green will receive a $75,000 per year grant to study the inner retina and optic nerve in people with MS using optical coherence tomography. This research aims to predict disability in MS patients by observing early changes in the retina.
A large study found no link between MS risk and birth order position, contradicting the hygiene hypothesis. In fact, individuals with MS tended to be born later in larger sibships than expected.
The study suggests that different patterns of tissue damage in MS patients require different treatment approaches. Plasma exchange treatment was found to be most helpful for severe attacks in patients with pattern II MS lesions, which contain large quantities of immunoglobulins and complement activation.
Researchers at UW-Madison are developing cell transplant techniques to repair damaged myelin and protect nerve fibers in multiple sclerosis. The $3.4 million grant will support the use of human stem cells and minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers have been awarded $15.6 million to develop tools for repairing nervous tissue damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), a promising step forward for this debilitating disease. The funds will support international collaborations of leading scientists and physicians working to protect against and repair MS-related nerve damage.
Researchers identify signal in damaged brain that prevents cells from restoring lost myelin; HA accumulation linked to CD44 protein. Oligodendrocyte progenitors can be prevented from maturing into myelin-producing cells, while injection of HA into damaged myelin prevents reforming.
Researchers have found a way to increase the potency of Khellinone, a naturally occurring substance with anti-inflammatory properties. By disrupting rogue T cell potassium channels, the compound reduces myelin damage and may help tackle multiple sclerosis.
Scientists found that interleukin-12 allows some immune cells to bypass normal regulation and cause damage to the myelin coating in nerve cells, contributing to MS symptoms. The discovery may lead to new treatments for MS by inhibiting IL12 and restoring the function of T-regulatory cells.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Research found that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have lower expression of the FOXP3 gene, leading to reduced immune suppression. A new drug called NeuroVax was shown to increase FOXP3 levels and restore immune regulation in some patients.
Researchers found that bacterial infections trigger the production of antibodies against 'self' glycosphingolipids, leading to autoreactive T cell activation. This mechanism may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
A recent OHSU study suggests that ginkgo biloba may improve attention in MS patients with cognitive impairment, with minimal side effects. The study found that patients taking ginkgo performed better on a test measuring attention and executive functions compared to those receiving a placebo.
Research identifies cigarette smoking as a modifiable risk factor for the progression of multiple sclerosis. Patients who were current or past smokers were 3.6 times more likely to develop secondary progressive MS than those who had never smoked.
Research reveals that nitrite is a potent inhibitor of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the liver and heart, limiting cell death and preserving organ function. Additionally, adipocyte-derived collagen VI promotes early tumor growth in breast cancer, while EBV proteins drive immune responses in multiple sclerosis.
A new MS drug, AVP-923, has shown significant improvement in reducing pseudobulbar affect episodes, with 84% of patients reporting betterment compared to 49% on placebo. The treatment also led to overall improvements in quality of life and reduction in pain.
Researchers identified a gene variant that increases the risk of rheumatism, MS, and myocardial infarction by 20-40%. The discovery may lead to more reliable diagnostics and better treatments for patients.
A new study identifies a genetic variant associated with increased MS risk in women, suggesting that interferon gamma production plays a key role in the disease. The findings provide potential targets for future research and treatments, as well as insights into gender differences in disease susceptibility.
Researchers found that increased contact with younger siblings reduced the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) by up to 88% in adults. This association was linked to a weaker immune response to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which has previously been shown to increase MS risk.
The American Academy of Neurology recognizes Dr. Callaghan's efforts to advocate for tort reform in Washington state, while Dr. Wasay leads programs to improve public health in Pakistan. The Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum empowers neurologists to advocate for patient care improvements.
A new blood test can accurately diagnose neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a debilitating inflammatory disease that destroys the protective myelin sheath around the optic nerve and spinal cord. Early diagnosis with this biomarker enables optimal therapies to be started sooner, potentially lessening the impact of the disease.
Researchers successfully used iron-labeled neural stem cells to repair damaged myelin in the brains of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. This method could potentially monitor and track transplanted cells in human patients if stem cell therapy becomes available.
A study found that people with multiple sclerosis who took an Alzheimer's medication showed significant improvements in memory and cognitive function compared to those taking a placebo. The treatment had no serious side effects, but its long-term effectiveness remains unknown.
Paratek Pharmaceuticals has demonstrated disease protection in preclinical studies using non-antibacterial tetracycline compounds, which have no detectable antibacterial activity. These compounds show efficacy comparable to minocycline in reducing limb paralysis in the EAE model of MS.
Researchers found that beta interferon significantly reduced brain tissue loss and slowed MS progression, with around a third of patients showing improved outcomes. The study's results suggest that beta interferon may be an effective treatment for delaying the progression of multiple sclerosis.
A recent study found that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment significantly lowers the incidence of MS symptom relapses and reduces disease activity. Patients treated with IVIg had a lower probability of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis and fewer brain lesions compared to those receiving placebo.
UCSB researchers have discovered that changes in lipid composition of myelin lead to the unraveling of MS. The study shows how myelin basic protein acts as a patch to fill holes and maintain insulation from the sheath. This new knowledge may suggest methods for treating MS before it progresses.
A recent study using the General Practice Research Database found an association between hepatitis B vaccination and a three-fold increase in MS incidence within three years following vaccination. The study's limitations highlight the need for further research into the potential link between vaccines and autoimmune diseases.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that patients with minimal or no disability after 10 years of multiple sclerosis (MS) are unlikely to progress and may not need medication. However, those with higher disability scores may still experience worsening symptoms over time.
Researchers at OHSU-VAMC found that estrogen increases regulatory cells and FoxP3 protein, key for fighting autoimmune diseases like MS. The study provides a new mechanism for understanding how pregnancy reduces MS symptoms.
A study analyzing 36 white matter plaques in 20 MS patients showed diffusion tensor MRI to be 45% more sensitive than T2-weighted imaging in measuring diseased white matter. This could lead to earlier detection of abnormalities and improved assessment of therapy effectiveness.
The American Academy of Neurology is expanding its clinical research trial recruitment efforts to improve patient care through education and research. The association has over 80% of clinical trials experiencing recruitment issues, which can delay or even prevent completion.
The Center of Excellence on Restoration of Function (CERF) at Yale University has received a five-year, $4.5 million grant to study spinal cord repair. The research aims to protect, repair and support the injured nervous system, with potential breakthroughs in treating conditions like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at OHSU found LGD5552 prevented rats from developing a MS-like disease, showing reduced side effects compared to current treatments. The compound's tissue-selective properties may offer a novel avenue for prolonged use in humans.
A randomized controlled trial found that yoga is as effective as aerobic exercise in improving measures of fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. The study also showed improvements in physical health and quality of life among participants.
Researchers at UIC are testing pioglitazone, a diabetes drug, to treat multiple sclerosis. The study found that the drug reduces inflammation of nervous tissue and prevents aberrant immune responses, potentially offering new hope for treating MS.
The study found a strong link between nerve damage and the presence of molecules Nav.1.6 and NCX, which can lead to permanent and irreparable damage in MS. The researchers hope to design new therapies that will protect vulnerable nerve fibers.
A small trial found that daclizumab add-on therapy reduced the severity and number of brain lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The treatment, which blocks the interleukin-2 receptor on immune cells, showed unexpected clinical benefits in a small group of patients.
A recent study found that statins reduced brain lesions in people with MS by 44% after six months of treatment. Researchers suggest that statins may be beneficial for patients as monotherapy or as an add-on to existing therapies, but more data is needed to confirm their efficacy.
A new study demonstrates that donepezil, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's, may also improve memory and cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. More than 65% of those treated with donepezil reported improved memory, compared to 32% on placebo.
Researchers found that 83% of pediatric MS patients had evidence of a past Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, compared to 42% of healthy control group members. The study suggests that the genetic code of EBV may play an important role in the development of multiple sclerosis.
A study of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and fatigue found a relationship between fatigue and abnormal sleep cycles or disrupted sleep. Nine out of 15 MS patients with fatigue scored high on a sleep scale test, indicating excessive daytime sleepiness.
Fibrin depletion delays MS-like paralysis and increases lifespan in transgenic mice, suggesting its role in disease progression. The study identifies fibrin's contribution to inflammatory response and nerve tissue damage in the nervous system.
A large study found that parents who lost a child are 50% more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than those who did not lose a child. The study suggests that psychological stress may play a role in the development of MS.
Researchers found that brain atrophy was detected on MRI more consistently than decline on cognitive tests or rating scales in patients with PCNSL. The study also examined the risk of stroke associated with triptan use in migraines, finding no increased risk.
Researchers found that patients with multiple sclerosis who experience high levels of fatigue have widespread axonal damage in their brains. The study suggests that the nerve damage may be the underlying cause of fatigue, rather than other factors like conduction block or inflammatory mediators.
A new study by McGill University researchers has identified phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) as a key enzyme that triggers multiple sclerosis-like disease in an animal model. Treatment with a chemical inhibitor of this enzyme results in a marked reduction in the onset and severity of the disease.