Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Multiple sclerosis therapy improves gut flora

Researchers found that dimethyl fumarate treatment increased the proportion of beneficial gut bacteria and reduced pro-inflammatory types, which are associated with MS. The study suggests a potential connection between gut flora and clinical side effects, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalGut Microbes·DateDec 1, 2022

New Carnegie Mellon University research investigates how the brain processes language

A recent study published in Nature Computational Science reveals that specific regions of the brain process both individual and combined words, while others focus solely on individual words. The research could contribute to the development of wearable neurotechnology devices that can decode language directly from brain activity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Computational Science·DateNov 29, 2022

Medicines with sugar chains

Researchers used native top-down mass spectroscopy to study the interplay between glycans and oligomerization in various therapeutic hormones and cytokines. They found that glycans significantly stabilize some proteins, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, while others, like interferon-β, are independent of glycosylation status.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Immune system reboot in MS patients

Researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered why a stem cell transplant is effective in treating multiple sclerosis. The study found that memory T cells reappear immediately after the transplant and do not trigger an autoimmune reaction due to pre-damage caused by chemotherapy. This knowledge enables the body to gradually ...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

UCLA researchers identify model for studying treatments targeting MS progression

Researchers at UCLA have identified an animal model that shares similarities with progressive multiple sclerosis, enabling studies of disability-improving treatments. The model reveals neurodegeneration features and effects on various parts of the brain and spinal cord, holding promise for future treatment discovery.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·DateOct 25, 2022

Infections can have long-term consequences

A VUB study has mapped the immune system's response to brain infections, revealing that resident macrophages play a key role in defending against pathogens. The researchers found that blood-derived immune cells can eliminate parasites, but may retain 'memory' of past infections, altering their ability to respond to future insults.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalImmunity·DateOct 12, 2022

Team uses digital cameras, machine learning to predict neurological disease

A team of researchers used digital cameras and machine learning algorithms to develop a system that can predict gait dysfunctions in people with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The study revealed that several algorithms were over 75% accurate at detecting differences between those with the conditions and those without.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 11, 2022

Immune function remodeled by mitochondrial shape

A new study led by Erika Pearce at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the shape and function of mitochondria in Th17 cells play a crucial role in controlling their autoimmune activity. The researchers identified several molecules, including LKB1, that can influence this process, paving the way for potential therapeutic modifications.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022

Multiple sclerosis drug works in a surprising way

A new study reveals that a multiple sclerosis treatment, interferon beta, reduces the binding of key molecules to red blood cells, thereby decreasing inflammation and slowing disease progression. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for the treatment of this debilitating autoimmune disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateAug 10, 2022

Neuroregeneration in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf discovered that corticosteroid Medrysone promotes oligodendroglial cell replacement and myelin sheath restoration. Astrocytes play a surprising role in mediating this effect, with some promoting tissue repair and others contributing to lesion formation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Fewer relapses in MS with off-label drug

A phase 3 clinical trial found that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with rituximab had a five-fold lower risk of relapse compared to those receiving standard dimethyl fumarate treatment. Rituximab also showed fewer new MS plaques on magnetic resonance imaging.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2022

Virtual reality technology could strengthen effects of traditional rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis

Researchers from Kessler Foundation found that virtual reality (VR) technology can strengthen the effects of traditional cognitive rehabilitation and exercise training in individuals with MS. By increasing sensory input and promoting multisensory integration, VR may increase the effectiveness of these therapies.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeuroSci·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 30, 2022

Signal detection theory may be useful for characterizing cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis

Kessler Foundation researchers use signal detection theory to characterize cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis. The study reveals an association between subjective 'state' fatigue, response bias, and brain activation patterns in both MS and control groups. This finding supports the use of signal detection metrics as an objective me...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Glatiramer acetate compatible with breastfeeding

Researchers found glatiramer acetate to be compatible with breastfeeding, reducing the frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis patients. The study's results indicate no negative effects on infant development, leading to updates in the drug's label and approval for treatment during the breastfeeding period.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 11, 2022

Kessler Foundation researchers identify benefits of interpersonal emotion regulation for countering depression in multiple sclerosis

Researchers have demonstrated the efficacy of a six-week interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) intervention for addressing depression often experienced by individuals with multiple sclerosis. IER strategies, such as turning to others for emotional support, significantly reduced depression levels in the treatment group.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Findings open way for personalised MS treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2022

Childhood emotional trauma linked to heightened MS risk among women

Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found a strong association between childhood emotional trauma and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. Women who experienced childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, were more likely to develop MS compared to those without a history of abuse.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Mayo Clinic researchers develop new antibody test to diagnose MS

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new antibody test to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS), a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. The validated test measures kappa immunoglobulin free light chains in cerebrospinal fluid, offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to existing tests.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 24, 2022

New study reveals pandemic-specific depression and anxiety among individuals with multiple sclerosis

A new study published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders found that individuals with multiple sclerosis experienced increased depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that pandemic-related stress may exacerbate mental health issues in MS patients.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

Milk may exacerbate MS symptoms

A new study by University of Bonn researchers found that cow's milk protein casein triggers an autoimmune response in mice, damaging neurons and myelin sheath. This cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system mistakes similar molecules for each other.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2022