Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
A large randomized clinical trial found that synthetic THC and plant-extract marijuana derivatives were safe but showed no improvement in spasticity symptoms for multiple sclerosis patients. Side effects, particularly with the plant-extract, were common and may limit potential dosages.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified hundreds of new genes involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. The study found genes expressed differently in acute and chronic attacks, including those associated with pregnancy and allergic responses, which could lead to new treatment strategies.
A 2-year study found that high-dose interferon beta-1b significantly reduced relapse rates and new brain lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to interferon beta-1a. The treatment also showed a strong association between MS and type-1 diabetes in the Sardinian population.
Researchers found that lipitor prevented both acute and relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis-like disease in mice, reversing symptoms in those with chronic relapsing form. Lipitor also reduced CNS inflammation by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
A six-month pilot study found that Ginkgo biloba improved performance on neuropsychological tests in patients with mild multiple sclerosis. About 50% of Americans with MS experience cognitive problems, and the herb may show a beneficial effect on attention, memory, and functioning.
Researchers found that mitoxantrone induction therapy significantly reduced disease activity in MS patients, with a 76% relapse-free rate at one year and 64% at four years. The annual relapse rate decreased by nearly 90% following treatment.
A new autologous stem cell transplantation treatment has shown promising results in stabilizing the disability of 26 people with severe multiple sclerosis. The study found that 20 patients remained stable, while six showed mild improvement, with only three experiencing new brain lesions at one year after the transplant.
Researchers analyzed seasonal changes in immune system activity among 28 MS patients, finding more activated T-cells during autumn months. However, no significant variation was detected in lesions or relapse rates, challenging previous theories on the topic.
Researchers found that Copaxone, a commonly used MS treatment, stimulates CD8 cells in patients, whereas untreated patients show weaker responses. This new approach enables effective evaluation of both CD4 and CD8 cells taken directly from patients.
A new study has discovered subtle normal appearing brain tissue changes in first-degree relatives of patients with familial and sporadic Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These changes were not detectable using conventional MRI, but a new test called magnetization transfer imaging revealed the damage.
A new study has found that the medication modafinil can effectively alleviate fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. The drug was shown to improve symptoms in 75-90% of patients, with significant benefits reported at a dosage of 200mg per day.
A study suggests that minocycline, a common antibiotic, could be a potential therapy for multiple sclerosis. The drug showed promising results in rats with autoimmune encephalomyelitis, reducing neurologic dysfunction and disease severity.
Researchers found osteopontin is present in higher levels in the brains of individuals with MS and mice models. Osteopontin's presence may accelerate disease progression, prompting efforts to block its effects.
Researchers at Stanford and UCSF have identified osteopontin as a key gene in the progression of multiple sclerosis, with findings suggesting its expression levels are related to disease severity. The study also revealed that osteopontin-deficient mice experienced significantly less severe symptoms and higher remission rates.
Researchers found that a cooling vest improved MS patient symptoms by reducing muscle strength and fatigue, as well as balance. Nitric oxide levels decreased significantly in patients receiving active cooling.
A team of researchers at Yale University successfully transplants Schwann cells into a patient's brain to repair damaged nerve fibers in Multiple Sclerosis. The procedure aims to restore normal function and has the potential to benefit millions of people affected by MS and other demyelinating diseases.
Scientists successfully used frozen human nerve cells to repair damaged spinal cords in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. The method may one day allow patients to use their own cells to treat demyelinating diseases.
A new therapy effectively treats a disease similar to multiple sclerosis in monkeys by targeting T cells that cause the disease. The approach could soon be tested against MS and other autoimmune diseases in humans, offering potential for improved treatment options.
A new study published in Neurology reveals that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients lose cognitive ability and report increased mental fatigue after repeated testing. Researchers attribute this decline to fluctuations in glucose supply and metabolism, which affect brain performance.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory are conducting a three-year study using the powerful MRI scanner to look for early signs of MS. The study aims to understand the disease process and potentially lead to more effective diagnosis and treatment.
A novel naked DNA vaccination technology has been developed to overcome autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The vaccine introduces engineered genes that neutralize proinflammatory peptides, allowing the immune system to self-regulate its response and prevent disease progression.
Researchers found that a 200 milligram-per-day dose of the narcolepsy drug modafinil successfully controlled fatigue in patients with MS, a disease that attacks the nervous system. The study involved 72 patients with severe fatigue and MS, who reported significantly less fatigue when taking the 200 mg dose compared to the placebo.
A new drug, modafinil, has been shown to effectively treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients, with over 85% of participants able to identify the active ingredient. The study found that modafinil improved fatigue severity and had minimal side effects, making it a promising first-line treatment for MS patients.
Researchers at Emory University have uncovered a significant connection between mast cells and the development of multiple sclerosis. Mast cells, previously only studied in respiratory tract diseases like hay fever and asthma, are now linked to nerve damage in MS.
Researchers from Clemson University and UK scientists found that synthetic cannabinoids reduce spasticity and tremor in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. The discovery may lead to treatments without psychoactive side effects.
Patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis treated with Novantrone experienced a sustained reduction in their number of attacks and delay in disability progression compared to those treated with placebo. The treatment resulted in generally manageable side effects and a smaller number of relapses in the third year.
University of Illinois scientists have discovered that steroids can increase myelin synthesis, reversing a major problem in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. The findings offer new potential treatments for nerve injuries and demyelinating diseases.
Researchers have found that fatty acids from various plants and fungi can prevent MS-like symptoms in animal models. Dr Harbige's team thinks certain fatty acids work by dampening the immune system's damaging effects, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm.
A study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke found that more than 70% of MS patients exhibited an increased immune response to human herpes virus-6, suggesting a potential trigger for the disease. Active HHV-6 was detected in approximately 35% of all MS patients studied.
Researchers found that only three of 39 physicians ordered an MRI for a patient with low yield, while others suggested it in the future or referred her to a neurologist. Physicians often failed to use recommended communication skills, such as asking about the patient's friend's experience with MS.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully transplanted nervous system cells into dogs with diseased spinal cords, achieving significant myelination and growth. This breakthrough finding offers new hope for multiple sclerosis treatment and may be applicable to other demyelinating disorders.