Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
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.
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.
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.
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.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has launched a $100 million brain repair initiative aimed at restoring nerve function in people with MS. The program will fund research into new disease models, advanced MRI monitoring tools, and human clinical trials.
A new study published by the Mayo Clinic research team found that many MS patients experience mild disability over time, with 71 of 99 walking unassisted in 1991 still doing so in 2001. The study also showed that only 20% of patients who didn't need a wheelchair in 1991 required one 10 years later.
A study found that women taking high doses of vitamin D supplements were 40% less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D levels in the blood prior to onset of MS should be measured in future studies.
Researchers discovered levetiracetam reduces phasic spasticity in MS patients, improving balance and walking difficulties. The medication also shows promise in treating other symptoms associated with the disease.
A study found that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the CD24 gene is associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The research suggests that the protein encoded by this gene may be a valuable target for new drugs to treat the disease.
A new MRI technique using whole brain N-acetylaspartate (WBNAA) measures the amount of NAA in the brain, which decreases with MS disease progression. This method is more sensitive and specific than current markers, enabling earlier treatment monitoring and drug development for MS patients.
The UK trial found no objective evidence that cannabis benefits people with multiple sclerosis, but a majority of patients reported improved symptoms. The study involved over 600 patients and assessed the effectiveness of cannabinoids in reducing muscle stiffness and improving overall wellbeing.
A large-scale trial found no major effect of cannabinoids on spasticity but showed small reductions in walking time and subjective improvements in patients. The study suggests that cannabinoids may be clinically useful in treating MS symptoms, particularly when other treatments fail.
Researchers found that IFN-beta-1a initiates different patterns of genetic expression in MS patients, which could lead to better treatment outcomes. The study's findings suggest that gene expression profiling and pharmacodynamics may enable improved, possibly individualized, treatment regimens for MS patients.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), regardless of age or education level. The study examined over 22,000 people and found that smokers were 1.81 times more likely to develop MS than non-smokers.
Researchers used computer-assisted MRI technology to visualize gray matter structures in the brain of MS patients, finding T2 hypointensity associated with iron deposits. The study found correlations between T2 hypointensity and impaired walking ability and cognitive impairment, suggesting a new potential target for treatment.
The study found that initiating Avonex treatment immediately after MS symptoms appeared reduced the development of clinically definite MS by 35% and relapses by 48% compared to delayed initiation. Early intervention also led to higher likelihood of being classified as clinically stable between years four and five.
A new study suggests that advanced MRI scans can diagnose multiple sclerosis more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. The technology uses sophisticated imaging to detect white matter abnormalities in the brain, providing doctors with definitive evidence of injuries over time.
The American Academy of Neurology has introduced a new guideline that suggests MRI scans can be used to predict the development of multiple sclerosis in individuals who have had a single occurrence of MS symptoms. This allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can help reduce disease activity and severity.
Researchers at the MNI have made a groundbreaking discovery about netrins, proteins that guide nerve cell axons to their target in the developing nervous system. The study suggests that netrin acts as a repellent cue for migrating oligodendrocytes, which could lead to new therapies for Multiple Sclerosis.
Researchers investigate targeting pericytes and endothelial cells with kinase inhibitors to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. PDX1 levels also play a crucial role in islet survival and diabetes development, while Factor H's anti-inflammatory properties are explored for hemolytic uremic syndrome treatment.
New research presented at the AAN Annual Meeting includes promising treatments for MS, potential therapeutic targets for worsening ataxia in ALS, and a connection between Chlamydia infection and increased stroke risk. Statins also show promise in reducing cognitive decline and improving recovery from stroke.
Researchers found significant improvement in fatigue among MS patients who participated in yoga and exercise groups compared to a waiting list group. The study suggests that activity interventions may have a positive impact on quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have found that simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, reduces the number and volume of active MS lesions. The study suggests statins may have therapeutic value in treating multiple sclerosis, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A study found that Keppra, when used in combination with conventional treatments, provided significant pain relief for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Over half of the participants showed marked improvement and continued treatment with Keppra.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has awarded $2.48 million to advance research on multiple sclerosis through five collaborative centers. These centers are focused on genetic underpinnings of MS, tissue repair and diagnostic technology, including the use of haplotype mapping and diffusion tensor MR imaging.
A review of seven trials found that interferon may reduce exacerbations in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients in the first year, but its long-term effects are uncertain. Common side effects and toxic effects also occurred.
A Phase II study published in NEJM found that natalizumab significantly reduced new gadolinium-enhancing lesions by up to 93% and the number of patients experiencing relapses by 50%. The treatment was well-tolerated, with common adverse events including infection and rash.
In the Phase II study, natalizumab demonstrated higher rates of clinical remission compared to placebo at multiple time points. The highest rate of remission was observed in the dual 3 mg/kg dose group, with a maximal response of 71%.
Acorda Therapeutics has received a Phase 2 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a new treatment approach for multiple sclerosis (MS). The company's antibodies, sHIgM22 and sHIgM46, have shown promise in stimulating myelin regrowth in animal models.
Researchers explore the role of statins in preventing CNS leucocyte accumulation in multiple sclerosis, a condition that increases dementia risk. A review on mild cognitive impairment highlights the urgency to address these disorders.