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Research and MS: new edition of MS in focus published

The latest edition of MS in focus takes a look at the issue of research and MS. With contributions from scientists in different parts of the world, it aims to present a comprehensive picture of how scientific research is conceptualised and carried out.

MS in focus 17 is available to download in English. German, French, Spanish and Italian editions will follow in the near future.

Download MSinfocus

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis that meets modified McDonald criteria for dissemination in space is associated with a high probability of conversion to multiple sclerosis in Taiwanese patients

A group from Taiwan assessed the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of patients with a diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis ADEM to evaluate which MRI criteria can predict conversion to MS.

36 patients with a diagnosis of ADEM were evaluated and, as might be expected, the conversion rate to MS was low (11%). The group found no significant differences in clinical signs/symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid analysis between patients converting and those that don’t. However, patients meeting McDonald criteria for dissemination in space were more likely to convert.

The study authors insightfully conclude that patients who get diagnosed as ADEM but meet McDonald criteria for dissemination in space would be better labelled as having had a clinically isolated syndrome, and that such widespread lesions are not typical of classical ADEM.

authors: Liao MF, Huang CC, Lyu RK, Chen CM, Chang HS, Chu CC, Hsu WC, Wu YR, Kuo HC, Cheng MY, Hung PC, Chou ML, Lin KL, Hsieh MY, Ro LS.

source: Eur J Neurol. 2011 Feb;18(2):252-9

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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone reduces the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model of multiple sclerosis

The authors investigated the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) rats. Previous studies indicated that the GnRH receptor is found in the spinal cord, and that GnRH promotes the survival and growth of neurons. Comparing 10 treated and 10 untreated rats, the authors found that the treated rats performed better in motor tasks, had larger axon diameter at post-mortem examination of the spinal cord and showed increased expression of neurofilaments.

The results from the study support the previous suggestion that GnRH may stimulate GnRH receptors in the spinal cord to activate downstream neurotrophic pathways, and indicate that GnRH administration reduces the severity of EAE in rats.

authors: Quintanar JL, Salinas E, Quintanar-Stephano A.

source: Neuropeptides. 2011 Feb;45(1):43-8

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Cognitive and cortical plasticity deficits correlate with altered amyloid-beta CSF levels in multiple sclerosis

Furthermore, abnormal neuroplasticity of the cerebral cortex, explored with theta burst stimulation (TBS), was observed in CI patients, and a positive correlation was found between amyloid-beta (1-42) CSF contents and the magnitude of long-term potentiation-like effects induced by TBS.

No correlation was observed between tau protein concentrations and CI, MRI findings, and TBS effects in these patients.

The authors conclude that central inflammation can alter the amyloid-beta concentration in the CSF and lead to impairment of synaptic plasticity and cognitive function.

authors: Mori F, Rossi S, Sancesario G, Codecà C, Mataluni G, Monteleone F, Buttari F, Kusayanagi H, Castelli M, Motta C, Studer V, Bernardi G, Koch G, Bernardini S, Centonze D.

source: Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011 Feb;36(3):559-68.

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ARSEP call for proposals for research grants

source: ARSEP

French MS research foundation ARSEP has issued a call for applications for travel grants, research grants and fellowships.

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