Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting movement, sensation, and bodily functions. It is caused by destruction of the myelin insulation covering nerve fibers (neurons) in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Vitamin D reduces multiple sclerosis progression

Vitamin D status associated with multiple sclerosis activity, progression – Vitamin D status appears to be associated with reduced disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a slower rate of disease progression. MS is a common cause of neurological disability and vitamin D status may be related to the disease process.

Early detection of PML improves survival of multiple sclerosis patients

Early detection of MS treatment complication may improve survival – The drug natalizumab is effective for treating multiple sclerosis (MS), but it increases the risk of a rare but potentially fatal brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The study suggests that early detection of PML may help improve survival and disability levels.

Multiple sclerosis – possible trigger for nerve damage

NIH-funded researchers show possible trigger for MS nerve damage — Results of study in mice may lead to new treatments – 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.

Multiple sclerosis drug interferon beta may not slow disability progression

Treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon beta not linked with less progression of disability — Biogen, Bayer Multiple sclerosis drugs don’t slow MS disease progress – Treatment of multiple sclerosis with interferon beta not linked with less progression of disability. The researchers revealed that there is a lack of well-controlled longitudinal studies investigating the effect of interferon beta on disability progression.

CCSVI role in multiple sclerosis seems to be controversial

Some link between CCSVI and MS but quality of evidence prevents definitive conclusion – Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) appears to be more common in people with multiple sclerosis than in people without the condition, states a review of published studies in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).However, there are not enough high-quality studies to allow definitive conclusions.

29 new genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis research doubles number of genes associated with the disease — Critical insight provided into the disease mechanisms behind multiple sclerosis – Scientists have identified 29 new genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis, providing key insights into the biology of a very debilitating neurological disease. Many of the genes implicated in the study are relevant to the immune system, shedding light onto the immunological pathways that underlie the development of multiple sclerosis.

MS drugs help, but come at high cost

Benefit of MS drugs comes at a very high price for a common man in US – Multiple sclerosis drugs used to slow down the multiple sclerosis progression may help some patients, but at a very high cost. These disease modifying drugs ? come at a very high cost when compared to therapies that address the symptoms of MS and treatments for other chronic diseases.

Stress may not increase multiple sclerosis risk

Can stress increase the risk of multiple sclerosis? – Contrary to earlier reports, a new study finds that stress does not appear to increase a person’s risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The research is published in the May_31, 2011, print issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Low vitamin D levels seen as multiple sclerosis risk for African Americans

Low vitamin D levels seen as multiple sclerosis risk for African-Americans, UCSF study finds – Vitamin D levels in the blood are lower in African Americans who have the disease, compared to African Americans who do not, revealed by researchers exploring the connection between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis in African Americans.