Gut immune cells that travel to the brain may help resolve MS disease relapses
A particular type of gut microbiota-reactive immune cells that travel to the brain during MS relapses could be having a positive effect.
Microscopic insights into the spine’s electrical circuit add piece to the MS puzzle
Loss of nerve cells has been thought to be a major cause of disability in MS, but evidence from spinal cord injury suggests this is not the whole story.
A potential biomarker for progressive MS
The use of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker could revolutionise clinical trials in progressive MS.
No association between skin condition vitiligo and MS, study asserts
There is no significant association between MS and vitiligo, a skin condition in which patches of skin lose their colour, a review study has found.
Recently identified subset of immune cells plays role in MS, study suggests
A newly identified population of immune cells contributes to inflammation in MS, a new study suggests.
Association between TNF inhibitor exposure and inflammatory Central Nervous System events
A study evaluated the association between Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitor exposure and inflammatory Central Nervous System (CNS) events in patients with an autoimmune disease.
They found an unexpected increase of demyelinating and non-demyelinating of inflammatory CNS disease in patients on TNF inhibitors, a surprise because these drugs worsened MS when used in clinical trials.
Dementia and subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Dementia following bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) was evaluated in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This longitudinal study reviewed patients that were treated with STN-DBS over 10 years. The risk of dementia was 26% after 10 years and the incidence rate of dementia was lower than reported in other longitudinal studies of PD patients without DBS.
New health conditions identified as part of the MS prodrome
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, can start years before clinical diagnosis and are often preceded by a range of health issues. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may experience depression and constipation years before the classic symptoms, such as motor deficiencies, are detected. These early symptoms are collectively known as the “prodrome”.
According to this study, the most prevalent conditions among MS cases in the preceding five-year period before onset of classic symptoms (e.g. first demyelinating event) was pain, followed by sleep disorders, anaemia, and fatigue. The odds of having a sleep disorder were up to 161% higher in MS cases compared to controls, and the odds of experiencing pain were up to 115% higher.
13-year data finds Techfidera® safe and reduces RRMS relapses
Long-term treatment with Tecfidera® (dimethyl fumarate) continues to be safe and effective at reducing the frequency of relapses and disability progression in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Major study into MS and pregnancy
New findings suggest delayed and reduced rates of pregnancy globally are likely associated with increased incidence of MS amongst women of a childbearing age.
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