Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
A new computational biology tool has analyzed the complex biological networks of multiple sclerosis patients, revealing relationships between genes, proteins, cells, brain function, and behavior. The study identified correlations between protein MK03 and immune system cell counts, retinal nerve fiber thickness, and gait test results.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure that maps the condition of myelin sheaths in the central nervous system more accurately. This breakthrough technology has the potential to facilitate early MS diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the development of new drugs for the disease.
A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.
A team of neuroscientists has discovered that oligodendrocytes, myelin-forming cells, accelerate glucose consumption to deliver energy-rich molecules to rapidly firing axons. This communication is mediated by potassium signals and maintains axonal health.
A new study published in Neurology found that young Black and Hispanic women with multiple sclerosis face greater challenges in pregnancy, have more advanced disease, and experience higher inflammation levels, which may signal MS progression. The researchers also noted disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
A new study will compare the effects of a single bout of cycling alone to two different cycling experiences enhanced with VR technology. The goal is to uncover the relationship between sensory demand and acute improvements in processing speed, informing future research on exercise training for long-term benefits.
Researchers discovered that a little-understood synapse in the brain plays a pivotal role in producing myelin, the protective sheath around nerve cells. This finding could lead to new therapies for multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative conditions and brain cancer.
A Kessler Foundation researcher will examine the impact of social determinants on brain health and MS outcomes in Latinos. The study aims to improve healthcare access and quality for this minoritized group.
A large-scale ancient human gene bank analysis revealed that genetic variants increasing MS risk were introduced by sheep and cattle herders 5,000 years ago. This finding explains the North-South Gradient of MS prevalence in Europe.
A combination of 11 proteins can predict long-term disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis, making it possible to tailor treatments to individual patients. The study identified a specific protein, neurofilament light chain, as a reliable biomarker for disease activity.
Research from Michigan Medicine found that widespread pain with nociplastic features can make physical activity challenging for patients with multiple sclerosis. The study suggests tailoring exercise plans to individual needs by considering underlying pain mechanisms, aiming to maintain functional independence and reduce pain intensity.
Researchers from UTHealth Houston discovered that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T-cells are present in high numbers in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with multiple sclerosis at its earliest stages. The study suggests that these cells may be contributing to the disease's pathogenesis.
Women with autoimmune disease are 30% more likely to experience perinatal depression, while those with perinatal depression have a 30% higher risk of developing an autoimmune disease. The strongest association is seen with multiple sclerosis.
Researchers investigated cognitive fatigue across multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and controls using two tasks, finding that fatigue was consistent across participants regardless of task. Cognitive fatigue correlated with longer response times and activation in the caudate nucleus and thalamus.
A study by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna found that natural killer cells may play a crucial role in protecting against multiple sclerosis (MS) disease. The investigation revealed that strong EBV-specific and autoreactive immune responses combined with poor autoimmunity control increase MS risk.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys identified a molecular signaling pathway that could enhance current MS treatments by linking vitamin B12 deficiency to MS. The study found that supplementing with brain-targeted B12 formulations may improve drug efficacy for this class of medicines.
A small molecule drug compound has shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis by targeting the glutamate system, reducing MS-like symptoms and repairing damaged myelin. The results come from a CAMH-led pre-clinical study published in Science Advances.
Multiple sclerosis affects over 2.8 million worldwide, and EU funding will investigate viral infections like EBV as potential causes and co-factors. The BEHIND-MS consortium aims to develop new cell models to test hypotheses on the disease's development.
A new study found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to have depression, constipation, and urinary tract infections five years before their diagnosis. These conditions were also more common in those with other autoimmune diseases like lupus and Crohn's disease.
A clinical trial of stem cell therapy in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis has shown a long-lasting effect that appears to protect the brain from further damage. The study found no signs of disease progression and a substantial stability of the disease without worsening of symptoms.
A novel robotic system developed by USC researchers can help clinicians accurately assess a patient's rehabilitation progress. The method generates an 'arm nonuse' metric using machine learning and a socially assistive robot to track how much a patient is using their weaker arm spontaneously.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that a low-fat diet significantly improved fatigue levels in patients with MS. The study, published in the Multiple Sclerosis Journal, suggests that diet alone can improve concentration and quality of life for patients with MS.
The PhRMA Foundation awarded two $500,000 Frontier Awards to researchers William Padula and Surachat Ngorsuraches for their patient-centered value assessment models. Their studies will advance the field of value assessment by applying theoretical models in a real-world context and engaging with patients to ensure their voices are inclu...
Researchers found that patients with elevated NfL levels had a 91% higher risk of worsening disability with relapse within a year, and a 49% higher risk without relapse nearly two years later. The study suggests that interventions may prevent worsening symptoms by targeting nerve cell death.
A phase 3 trial found that an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program significantly reduced depressive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The online program, modified for MS, led to a large drop in depressive symptoms compared to a control group.
The study found that premorbid income and education levels correlated with disability and symptom severity in multiple sclerosis, regardless of treatment. Socioeconomic status may reflect both structural and individual determinants of health in MS.
A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that people with multiple sclerosis are nearly twice as likely to experience mental illness before symptoms appear. The research found higher rates of psychiatric conditions in patients with MS compared to the general population.
Researchers launch EU-funded initiative to uncover EBV's role in MS, aiming to find underlying mechanism and develop antiviral treatments. The project seeks to improve disease course or stop progression, with potential for preventive strategies like vaccination.
A study published by UCI researchers found that N-acetylglucosamine reduced multiple inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The dietary supplement also improved neurological function in 30% of patients, suggesting a potential new treatment for the condition.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that nearly one in five people on Medicare travel 50 or more miles to see a neurologist, indicating significant access barriers for individuals with chronic neurologic conditions. The research also revealed that people living in areas with fewer neurologists and rural residen...
A three-year grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will fund Dr. Carly Wender's study on maximizing learning and memory function in individuals with MS. The COMBINE intervention combines cognitive rehabilitation technique KF-mSMT with innovative exercise training to improve new learning and memory.
Researchers at Pritzker Molecular Engineering have developed an 'inverse vaccine' that can eliminate autoimmune reactions associated with multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. The vaccine works by removing the immune system's memory of a molecule, allowing it to tolerate healthy tissues.
A novel mouse model confirms HERV-W's role in MS, showing damage to white matter and weakening of regeneration capacity. Antibody Temelimab neutralizes HERV-W, reducing neurodegeneration and activating microglial cells.
Scientists at CeMM and Max Perutz Labs have reclassified approximately 200 rare immune system disorders using a network-based approach. The study reveals strong similarities between rare diseases and autoimmune conditions, enabling the prediction of treatment efficacy and personalized approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital linked MS brain lesions to memory problems by mapping white matter lesion locations in people with MS. The study found that lesions intersecting with a previously derived memory circuit centered on the hippocampus were associated with memory issues.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have designed a probiotic to suppress autoimmunity in the brain, which is at the core of several diseases including MS. The treatment offers a more precise way to target brain inflammation with reduced negative side effects compared to standard therapies.
Scientists discover unique immune cells in skull's bone marrow, facilitating movement of immune cells between brain and skull, offering new possibilities for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases. Non-invasive skull imaging may enable early detection and monitoring of conditions like Alzheimer's and stroke.
A study of 1,300 patients has identified a specific antibody, MOG-IgA, which may differentiate another MS-like illness from others. This discovery could lead to better understanding of the causes and treatment of these autoimmune diseases.
A recent study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that higher daily physical activity is associated with lower levels of fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The study also suggests that maintaining functional capacity through suitable exercise can help reduce fatigue, improving the ...
Researchers developed a blood test to detect nerve injury in MS and found it works for children, even when symptom-free. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels, which reflect nerve cell injury.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that starting treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) soon after the first signs of the disease may lead to a lower risk of disability later. Researchers found that patients who received treatment within six months of symptom onset had a significantly lower risk of developing severe disabili...
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that oral medications surpassed injectable therapies as the preferred treatment for multiple sclerosis patients in the US. Oral therapies rose sharply after their introduction in 2010 and became the predominant treatment by 2020.
A mouse model of multiple sclerosis reveals evidence of inflammatory gene expression spilling over from the brain's barrier to grey matter. The study uses spatial transcriptomics to show a gradient of immune genes and inflammatory markers from meninges to surrounding brain tissue.
Researchers have confirmed that measuring retinal layer thickness can significantly improve MS diagnosis and predict progression. The study found a strong correlation between retinal damage and brain damage, paving the way for earlier treatment and better patient outcomes.
An international consortium, led by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, is developing an AI-supported online platform to predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) on an individual basis. The project aims to make treatment more tailored and effective for specific patients.
New research suggests that myelin can harm axons in people with multiple sclerosis, even when it's intact. Oligodendrocytes support the energy metabolism of axons, which rely on undamaged myelin for nutrients.
A study of over 22,000 people with MS discovered the first genetic variant associated with faster disease progression, which can rob patients of mobility and independence. Understanding this variant will hopefully pave the way for new treatments that can prevent disease progression.
A large international collaboration has identified a genetic variant associated with faster disease progression in multiple sclerosis, highlighting the need to focus on nervous system resilience and repair. The study found that individuals with two copies of the gene variant experience accelerated disability due to MS.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant associated with faster disease progression in multiple sclerosis, linked to years of disability. The study provides new leads on addressing the nervous system component of MS and developing effective treatments.
Scientists have discovered a genetic variant associated with faster MS progression, which can rob patients of mobility and independence. The breakthrough finding could pave the way for treatments that prevent disease accumulation and improve resilience in the nervous system.
A new study investigates the safety of discontinuing disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis patients over 55, finding low risk of new clinical activity but unclear benefits. The study suggests that some older patients may consider a personal trial of discontinuation due to the low risk of recurrence.
Researchers at UCLA Health have discovered that estriol, a pregnancy hormone, can repair damaged myelin in the brain's cortex of mice with multiple sclerosis. This finding offers hope for developing new treatments to address the disease's progression.
Research identifies beneficial changes in immune system during pregnancy, which can lead to new treatment strategies for MS. Women with MS experience a 70% decrease in relapses during the last third of pregnancy, possibly due to epigenetic changes and hormone regulation.
Researchers have developed a technique to measure the effectiveness of clemastine in repairing myelin, allowing for future therapies to be assessed. Patients with MS treated with clemastine experienced modest increases in myelin water, indicating myelin repair.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered that blood leaking into the brain triggers toxic genes in microglia, turning them into harmful cells that destroy neurons. Fibrin, a blood protein, is responsible for this process, which can lead to cognitive dysfunction and motor impairment.
Scientists at University of Virginia Health System discovered a gene that acts as a master controller for immune tolerance, shedding light on how our immune systems are calibrated to prevent MS. The new understanding could lead to better, more targeted treatments.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that multiple sclerosis is more prevalent in Black Americans than once thought, with the disease also affecting Northern regions of the US. The study's findings have significant implications for public policy and resource allocation towards historically under-represented populations.
Researchers developed a method to 'tip the balance' of immune cells from bad to good, reversing MS-like symptoms in 100% of mice and achieving full recovery in 38%. The therapy uses biodegradable microparticles to deliver three key therapeutic agents, including rapamycin and a myelin peptide.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new imaging technique to track changes in blood vessels in the brains of mice, which could lead to early detection of neurodegenerative diseases. The method uses advanced imaging techniques and AI algorithms to identify biomarkers that may predict disease onset.
A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that life stressors across the lifespan, including childhood trauma and adult abuse, contribute significantly to worsening health and functional outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis. The findings highlight the importance of analyzing the impact of life stressors on MS patients.