Articles tagged with Multiple Sclerosis
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study published in Science Advances has found that certain antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus can mistakenly target the brain and spinal cord, causing damage in multiple sclerosis patients. The research reveals a potential link between EBV infection and MS, with implications for personalized therapies.
A national cohort study found that multiple sclerosis (MS) distribution has become more diverse, with white individuals having the highest prevalence, followed by Black and Hispanic populations. The study's results highlight the need for tailored healthcare approaches for diverse patient groups.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a previously unknown way in which the brain and immune system interact in multiple sclerosis. They found that the inflammatory protein interleukin-3 (IL-3) coordinates this communication, inciting the recruitment of immune cells to the brain and exacerbating brain inflammation.
Researchers developed a novel tool to monitor recovery after CNS demyelination, enabling early testing of pro-remyelinating strategies. This new approach shows promising results in reducing clinical failure and advancing therapeutic success for multiple sclerosis.
A pilot study found that remote aerobic walking exercise training improved cognitive processing speed in fully ambulatory persons with MS. The study, which showed high adherence rates, supports the design of a large-scale randomized controlled trial.
A cell therapy using myeloid cells bound to drug delivery microparticles reduces disease burden in a preclinical multiple sclerosis model. The therapy partially reverses hind limb paralysis and improves motor functions.
Researchers found a novel biomarker, Sphingosine 1-Phosphate, linked to neuroinflammation in MS. A synergistic treatment combining Bezafibrate and Fingolimod reversed pathologies in animal models, offering potential improved therapy for patients.
A drug called teriflunomide has been found to delay the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis in people with radiologically isolated syndrome. In a preliminary study, researchers found that those taking teriflunomide had a 72% lower risk of experiencing first symptoms than those taking a placebo.
Dr. Roland Martin is honored for his work on immune mechanisms underlying multiple sclerosis, identifying key genes and nerve-insulating components targeted by immune attacks. His experimental therapy aims to make the immune system ignore those targets while preserving protective immunity.
Researchers have created wearable microscopes to produce high-definition, real-time images of mouse spinal cord activity across previously inaccessible regions. This technology enables unprecedented insight into the neural basis of sensations and movement in healthy and disease contexts.
Researchers found that women with multiple sclerosis were more likely to report sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, and sleepiness. Insomnia mediated more than 10% of the cognitive problems reported by women with MS, while sleep apnea accounted for 34%.
Experts advocate for genetic testing to identify MS patients at high risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a devastating side effect from medications. The availability of such testing could allow physicians to use alternative therapies, reducing the risk of PML.
A Rutgers study found that criteria used to diagnose multiple sclerosis in adults may not be sufficient for pediatric patients, who often go undetected in early stages. The study suggests that diagnostic tools used for adults may need to be re-evaluated for children with abnormal MRI findings.
A new study has found that female participants with MS were no more likely to experience a disease flare-up after receiving fertility treatments than before. The study also discovered a link between the use of MS medications and a lack of increase in relapses during fertility treatments.
A new platform allows researchers to study cell-cell interactions in inflammatory neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). By identifying genes that control biologic processes, the team hopes to develop therapeutics to change disease-promoting cell behavior.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital tested a new nasal monoclonal antibody treatment, Foralumab, which decreased inflammatory markers and lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19. The treatment also showed similar effects in multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting its potential use for treating other diseases.
A preliminary study found that people with multiple sclerosis who follow a Mediterranean diet have a lower risk for problems with memory and thinking skills. The study involved 563 participants and found that those who more closely followed the diet had a 20% lower risk for cognitive impairment.
A study led by the University at Buffalo found that cortical, deep gray matter, and spinal cord damage are key factors in severe MS disability, rather than lesions. Patients with severe disabilities showed more pronounced loss of neurons and atrophy of the medulla oblongata compared to their less-disabled counterparts.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a vital contributor to hyperactive immune responses and neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis. Blocking this regulator alleviated harmful inflammation in lab mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for new treatments.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that a fish oil derivative called DHEA can reduce inflammation and disease severity in mice with multiple sclerosis. By supplementing the diet of mice with DHEA, researchers noticed a decrease in MS-like disease symptoms and an improvement in the immune system's response.
A new biomarker, GFAP, has been identified that can predict both current and future progression of multiple sclerosis. Elevated blood levels of GFAP indicate chronic disease processes involving astrocytes, which contribute to gradual progressive disability.
Dr. Ruth Ann Marrie has made significant contributions to multiple sclerosis research, including the discovery of comorbidities' impact on MS evolution and development of personalized medicine strategies. Her work aims to improve quality of life by stopping and preventing MS through early intervention and targeted treatments.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation are conducting a double-blind randomized clinical trial to evaluate the impact of their strategy-based cognitive training program on new learning and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study aims to assess the efficacy of this protocol, which is based on the KF-STEM protocol.
A University of Alberta researcher has found that fractalkine triggers the repair of brain damage caused by multiple sclerosis, leading to increased production of vital brain cells. This discovery could potentially halt or reverse MS symptoms by replacing damaged cells with new ones.
Researchers at Aarhus University are developing a novel treatment for multiple sclerosis by spinning artificial nerve fibers using electro-spun fibres. The goal is to restore nerve impulses quickly, as the myelin sheath deteriorates with age.
Insufficient sleep during teenage years is linked to a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with a 40% and 50% increased risk, respectively. The study suggests that sufficient restorative sleep may be an important preventive factor against MS.
A recent study published in Genome Medicine found that intestinal bacteria play a crucial role in multiple sclerosis. The research revealed two types of health-promoting bacteria that can reduce an over-reactive immune system and may help alleviate symptoms.
A team from Brigham and Women's Hospital developed FIND-seq, a method that isolates and analyzes rare astrocytes driving MS inflammation and neurodegeneration. This approach identified signaling pathways controlling the development of pathogenic astrocytes in mice and humans.
A retrospective study found that hematopoietic stem cell transplants delayed disability progression and improved symptoms in people with active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The study suggests that these transplants may be more effective than some MS medications, but further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers at Rutgers University found a link between poor gut health and multiple sclerosis, suggesting that dietary adjustments like increased fiber may slow disease progression. The study also identified fecal Lcn-2 levels as a sensitive marker for detecting unhealthy changes in the gut microbiome of MS patients.
Research confirms a strong link between four genetic mutations and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but often fatal brain infection. Patients with these variants are at an increased risk of developing PML, highlighting the potential for genetic screening to reduce disease risk.
A recent study led by Stefan Seidel found that light therapy significantly improves fatigue symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis patients, with measurable improvements observed after just 14 days of use. The study used objective measurements to rule out sleep disorders, which are common comorbidities with fatigue in MS patients.
Researchers have identified three new genes, SHMT1, FAM120B, and ICA1L, and their expressed proteins that may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease and prioritizes promising targets for future therapy research.
Researchers have developed a CAR-T therapy approach that effectively targets and eliminates rogue immune cells responsible for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. The treatment shows promise as a potential cure for debilitating conditions.