ScienceDaily: Multiple Sclerosis News

New approach to improving treatment for MS and other conditions

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:24:24 EDT

Working with lab mice models of multiple sclerosis (MS), scientists have detected a novel molecular target for the design of drugs that could be safer and more effective than current FDA-approved medications against MS.

Dynamic behavior of progenitor cells in brain discovered

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:21:21 EDT

By monitoring the behavior of a class of cells in the brains of living mice, neuroscientists have discovered that these cells remain highly dynamic in the adult brain, where they transform into cells that insulate nerve fibers and help form scars that aid in tissue repair.

Key protein for firing up central nervous system inflammation identified

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:35 EDT

Researchers identify Peli1 as pivotal actor in animal model of multiple sclerosis.

Atrophy in key region of brain associated with multiple sclerosis

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:11:11 EDT

Magnetic resonance imaging measurements of atrophy in an important area of the brain are an accurate predictor of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a new study. According to the researchers, these atrophy measurements offer an improvement over current methods for evaluating patients at risk for MS.

Alternative medicine use by MS patients now mapped

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:11:11 EDT

A major Nordic research project has, for the first time ever, mapped the use of alternative treatment among multiple sclerosis patients -- knowledge which is important for patients with chronic disease and the way in which society meets them.

Skin cells turned directly into the cells that insulate neurons

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

Researchers have succeeded in transforming skin cells directly into oligodendrocyte precursor cells, the cells that wrap nerve cells in the insulating myelin sheaths that help nerve signals propagate. The current research was done in mice and rats. If the approach also works with human cells, it could eventually lead to cell therapies for diseases like inherited leukodystrophies -- disorders of the brain's white matter -- and multiple sclerosis, as well as spinal cord injuries.

Ordinary skin cells morphed into functional brain cells

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 19:31:31 EDT

Researchers have discovered a technique that directly converts skin cells to the type of brain cells destroyed in patients with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other so-called myelin disorders.

Month of birth impacts immune system development

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:46:46 EDT

Newborn babies' immune system development and levels of vitamin D have been found to vary according to their month of birth, according to new research.

Accused of complicity in Alzheimer's, amyloid proteins may be getting a bad rap

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:14:14 EDT

Amyloids -- clumps of misfolded proteins found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders -- are the quintessential bad boys of neurobiology. But now a pair of recent research studies sets a solid course toward rehabilitating the reputation of the proteins that form these amyloid tangles, or plaques. In the process, they appear poised to turn the field of neurobiology on its head.

Hunger-spiking neurons could help control autoimmune diseases

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:05:05 EDT

Neurons that control hunger in the central nervous system also regulate immune cell functions, implicating eating behavior as a defense against infections and autoimmune disease development, researchers have found.

Did evolution give us inflammatory disease?

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:42:42 EDT

Researchers demonstrate that some variants in our genes which could put a person at risk for inflammatory diseases -- such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis -- have been the target of natural selection over the course of human history.

Common multiple sclerosis drugs taken together do not reduce relapse risk

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:16:16 EDT

A recent clinical trial found that interferon²-1a (INF) and glatiramer acetate (GA), two of the most commonly prescribed drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS), provide no additional clinical benefit when taken together. While findings suggest that taking both INF and GA together was not superior to GA monotherapy in reducing relapse risk; the combination therapy does appear to reduce new lesion activity and total lesion volume.

Can hormone help treat multiple sclerosis long-term?

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:37:37 EDT

A new study suggests that treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) may be helpful for people whose multiple sclerosis (MS) is not well-controlled through their regular treatment.

Low incidence of venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:06:06 EST

Results of a study using several imaging methods showed that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency occurs at a low rate in both people with multiple sclerosis and non-MS volunteers, contrary to some previous studies.

Cells forged from human skin show promise in treating multiple sclerosis, myelin disorders

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:16:16 EST

Human brain cells created by reprogramming skin cells are highly effective in treating myelin disorders, a family of diseases that includes multiple sclerosis and rare childhood disorders called pediatric leukodystrophies.

Magnetic field exposure may affect neurodegenerative disease risk

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:12:12 EST

Occupational exposure to magnetic fields (MF) may be associated with "moderately increased risk" of certain neurodegenerative diseases —- including Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

One in three children with MS has cognitive impairment

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:36:36 EST

Data from the largest multicenter study accessing cognitive functioning in children with multiple sclerosis (MS) reveals that one-third of these patients have cognitive impairment, according to a research article. The study indicates that patients experience a range of problems related to cognition.

High risk of cardiovascular diseases amongst Swedish-born and immigrant MS patients

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 09:46:46 EST

A new study from Sweden shows that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) run a high risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure, regardless of migration background. The study is the first in the world to examine the risk of cardiovascular diseases in male and female MS patients with both non-immigrant and immigrant backgrounds.

Potential therapy target in multiple sclerosis

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:40:40 EST

Findings offer a better understanding of the development and progression of multiple sclerosis and potential future therapeutic target.

New drug target identified for multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:20:20 EST

Researchers report that the protein Klotho plays an important role in the health of myelin, the insulating material allowing for the rapid communication between nerve cells. These findings may lead to new therapies for multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, in which white matter abnormalities are also common but have been largely ignored.

Androgenic hormones could help treat multiple sclerosis, study suggests

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:27:27 EST

Testosterone and its derivatives could constitute an efficient treatment against myelin diseases such as multiple sclerosis, a new study suggests.

Multiple sclerosis study reveals how killer T cells learn to recognize nerve fiber insulators

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:27:27 EST

Misguided killer T cells may be the missing link in sustained tissue damage in the brains and spines of people with multiple sclerosis. Mouse studies showed that killer T cells were activated and turned into cells that recognize nerve-coating proteins by Tip-dendritic cells. With probing, tentacle-like membrane protrusions, these instigators arise from inflammatory white blood cells. Conversely, the activated T cells might at times protect against MS. The researchers are seeking specific immunotherapies for MS that avoid side effects of general immunosuppressants.

Dopamine regulates the motivation to act, study shows

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:44:44 EST

The widespread belief that dopamine regulates pleasure could go down in history with the latest research results on the role of this neurotransmitter. Researchers have shown that it regulates motivation, causing individuals to initiate and persevere to obtain something either positive or negative.

Eyes may provide a look into multiple sclerosis progression

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 08:03:03 EST

New research suggests that thinning of a layer of the retina in the eyes may show how fast multiple sclerosis (MS) is progressing in people with the disease.

Autoimmune disease: Retraining white blood cells

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:26:26 EST

Symptoms of an autoimmune disease disappeared after a team of scientists retrained the white blood cells involved using a specially engineered protein. This method is extremely promising for treating diseases such as type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Changes in nerve cells may contribute to the development of mental illness

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:20:20 EST

Reduced production of myelin, a type of protective nerve fiber that is lost in diseases like multiple sclerosis, may also play a role in the development of mental illness, according to new research.

Possible trigger for multiple sclerosis nerve damage

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:42:42 EST

High-resolution real-time images show in mice how nerves may be damaged during the earliest stages of multiple sclerosis. The results suggest that the critical step happens when fibrinogen, a blood-clotting protein, leaks into the central nervous system and activates immune cells called microglia.

Combination of two pharmaceuticals proves effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, study suggests

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:12:12 EST

A new substance class for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases now promises increased efficacy paired with fewer side effects. To achieve this, a team of scientists have combined two already approved pharmaceutical substances with each other using a chemical linker structure. The objectives of this combination are to ensure maximum brain cell protection on the one hand and the suppression of unwanted side effects on the other.

Scientists identify inhibitor of myelin formation in central nervous system

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 10:01:01 EST

Scientists have discovered another molecule that plays an important role in regulating myelin formation in the central nervous system. Myelin promotes the conduction of nerve cell impulses by forming a sheath around their projections, the so-called axons, at specific locations -- acting like the plastic insulation around a power cord.

High Vitamin D levels in pregnancy may protect mother more than baby against multiple sclerosis

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:33:33 EST

Pregnant women who have higher levels of vitamin D in their blood may have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis than women with lower levels, while their babies may not see the same protective effect, according to a new study.

Multiple sclerosis ‘immune exchange’ between brain and blood is uncovered

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:33:33 EST

DNA sequences obtained from a handful of patients with multiple sclerosis have revealed the existence of an “immune exchange” that allows the disease-causing cells to move in and out of the brain.

Breakthrough nanoparticle halts multiple sclerosis in mice, offers hope for other immune-related diseases

Sun, 18 Nov 2012 14:15:15 EST

In a breakthrough for nanotechnology and multiple sclerosis (MS), a biodegradable nanoparticle delivers an antigen that tricks the immune system and halts MS in mice. The approach, the first that doesn't suppress the immune system, is being tested in a clinical trial for MS patients, but with white blood cells delivering the antigen. The nanoparticle is an easier, cheaper option and can be used in other immune-related diseases including Type 1 diabetes, food and airway allergies.

New approach to combat viral infections identified

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:20:20 EST

When a virus such as influenza invades our bodies, interferon proteins are among the first immune molecules produced to fight off the attack. A study offers a new strategy for enhancing the effects of interferon in fighting off infection.

Researchers coax cells to grow and myelinate along thin fibers; Potential use in testing treatments for neurological diseases

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:59:59 EST

Using polymer nanofibers thinner than human hairs as scaffolds, researchers have coaxed a particular type of brain cell to wrap around nanofibers that mimic the shape and size of nerves found in the body.

New development in relief of spasms related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:20:20 EST

Scientists have recently discovered the origin of spasms - a disabling symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The degeneration of serotonin-releasing neurons is responsible for these sensations. In the longer term, researchers imagine that molecules acting on serotonin receptors present in the brain could eliminate spasticity in patients.

MRI research sheds new light on nerve fibres in the brain

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 08:46:46 EDT

Experts in magnetic resonance imaging from the UK have made a key discovery which could give the medical world a new tool for the improved diagnosis and monitoring of brain diseases like multiple sclerosis.

New multiple sclerosis drug proves effective where others have failed

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:41:41 EDT

A drug which "reboots" a person's immune system has been shown to be an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis patients who have already failed to respond to the first drug with which they were treated (a "first-line" therapy), as well as affected individuals who were previously untreated.

Potential way to repair brain damage in multiple sclerosis

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:16:16 EDT

Blocking a certain enzyme in the brain can help repair the brain damage associated with multiple sclerosis and a range of other neurological disorders.

Stem cell therapies for multiple sclerosis, other myelin disorders expected soon

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:04:04 EDT

Researchers are now on the threshold of human application of stem cell therapies for a class of neurological diseases known as myelin disorders -- a long list of diseases that include conditions such as multiple sclerosis, white matter stroke, cerebral palsy, certain dementias, and rare but fatal childhood disorders called pediatric leukodystrophies, experts say.

Human neural stem cells study offers new hope for children with fatal brain diseases

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:14:14 EDT

Physician-scientists have demonstrated for the first time that banked human neural stem cells can survive and make functional myelin in mice with severe symptoms of myelin loss. Myelin is the critical fatty insulation, or sheath, surrounding new nerve fibers and is essential for normal brain function.

New insight into cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 08:45:45 EDT

Researchers in Ireland have recently reported new insights into cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis, using newly developed signal processing methods.

Researchers a step closer to controlling inflammation in multiple sclerosis

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:16:16 EDT

New research suggests a possible new mechanism to control multiple sclerosis.

Infertility treatments may significantly increase multiple sclerosis activity

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:29:29 EDT

Researchers report that women with multiple sclerosis (MS) who undergo assisted reproduction technology infertility treatment are at risk for increased disease activity. Study findings suggest reproductive hormones contribute to regulation of immune responses in autoimmune diseases such as MS.

Low vitamin D levels linked to more severe multiple sclerosis symptoms

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:17:17 EDT

Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased number of brain lesions and signs of a more active disease state in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study finds, suggesting a potential link between intake of the vitamin and the risk of longer-term disability from the autoimmune disorder.

Two categories of multiple sclerosis patients defined

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:16:16 EDT

Medical researchers have found a way to distinguish patients with multiple sclerosis into two meaningful subsets.

Gingko biloba does not improve cognition in multiple sclerosis patients, study finds

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:31:31 EDT

Many people with multiple sclerosis for years have taken the natural supplement Gingko biloba, believing it helps them with cognitive problems associated with the disease. But the science now says otherwise. A new study says Gingko biloba does not improve cognitive performance in people with multiple sclerosis.

Ginkgo biloba doesn’t improve cognitive function in multiple sclerosis, research finds

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:30:30 EDT

A new study has found that the herbal supplement Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis. Cognitive impairment affects 40-60% of people with MS, most commonly affecting their processing speed, memory, and executive skills.

Discovery of immune cells that protect against multiple sclerosis offers hope for new treatment

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:20:20 EDT

Immune cells called dendritic cells, which were previously thought to contribute to the onset and development of multiple sclerosis, actually protect against the disease in a mouse model, according to a new study. These new insights change our fundamental understanding of the origins of multiple sclerosis and could lead to the development of more effective treatments for the disease.

Cannabis as painkiller

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:12:12 EDT

Cannabis-based medications have been demonstrated to relieve pain. Cannabis medications can be used in patients whose symptoms are not adequately alleviated by conventional treatment. The indications are muscle spasms, nausea and vomiting as a result of chemotherapy, loss of appetite in HIV/Aids, and neuropathic pain, experts say.

Researchers discover blood biomarker for Lou Gehrig's disease, could lead to new treatments

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:05:05 EDT

Researchers have discovered that changes in monocytes (a type of white blood cell) are a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. The findings open doors to possible new treatments.

Reviled substance involved in Alzheimer's can reverse paralysis in mice with multiple sclerosis

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:37:37 EDT

A molecule widely assailed as the chief culprit in Alzheimer's disease unexpectedly reverses paralysis and inflammation in several distinct animal models of a different disorder -- multiple sclerosis, researchers have found.

Possible clue to progression of multiple sclerosis

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 20:06:06 EDT

Researchers have found that one or more substances produced by a type of immune cell in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may play a role in the disease's progression. The finding could lead to new targeted therapies for MS treatment.

Sodium buildup in brain linked to disability in multiple sclerosis

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:48:48 EDT

A buildup of sodium in the brain detected by MRI may be a biomarker for the degeneration of nerve cells that occurs in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis: New marker could improve diagnosis

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:15:15 EDT

Diagnosing multiple sclerosis is a challenge even for experienced neurologists. This autoimmune disease has many symptoms and rarely presents a uniform clinical picture. New findings on the immune response involved in MS could help improve the diagnosis of this illness. Scientists analyzing the blood of MS patients have discovered antibodies that attack a specific potassium channel in the cell membrane.

New approach to reverse multiple sclerosis in mice models

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 13:14:14 EDT

Researchers have successfully used smaller, folded DNA molecules to stimulate regeneration and repair of nerve coatings in mice that mimic multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis patients have lower risk of cancer

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:33:33 EDT

Multiple sclerosis patients appear to have a lower cancer risk, according to a new study.

Active ingredient of cannabis has no effect on the progression of multiple sclerosis, study suggests

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:39:39 EDT

The first large non-commercial study to investigate whether the main active constituent of cannabis (tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) is effective in slowing the course of progressive multiple sclerosis shows that there is no evidence to suggest this; Although benefits were noted for those at the lower end of the disability scale.

Smoked cannabis reduces some symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:26:26 EDT

A clinical study of 30 adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has shown that smoked cannabis may be an effective treatment for spasticity – a common and disabling symptom of this neurological disease.

Glial cells supply nerve fibres with energy-rich metabolic products

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

Around 100 billion neurons in the human brain enable us to think, feel and act. They transmit electrical impulses to remote parts of the brain and body via long nerve fibres known as axons. This communication requires enormous amounts of energy, which the neurons are thought to generate from sugar. Axons are closely associated with glial cells which, on the one hand, surround them with an electrically insulating myelin sheath and, on the other hand support their long-term function. Scientists have now discovered a possible mechanisms by which these glial cells in the brain can support their associated axons and keep them alive in the long term.