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MSIF News


	Summaries of new MSIF activities, events, projects, programmes, resources, publications and more.

MSIF invites nominations for international Awards

MSIF invites nominations for two Awards for people affected by MS.

Results of the MS in focus magazine online survey

Thank you to everyone who took part in the online survey about our biannual magazine during 2010 - we are delighted with the results.

Videos of Living with MS Day 2010 presentations now online

You can now watch videos of the presentations from the 2010 Living with MS Day online.

Research News


	Summaries of all the latest research findings on MS selected by a team based at the Institute of Neurology, London.

High-dose frequency beta-interferons increase the risk of liver test abnormalities in multiple sclerosis: A longitudinal study

Beta-interferons (IFNβs) have been associated with many adverse events; in this study the authors examine the effect of long-term use on liver function in patients with multiple sclerosis. Levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase were reviewed over a twelve year period for those patients who were prescribed IFNβs as a first immunomodulatory drug.

The risk of liver enzyme abnormalities was found to be associated with a number of factors: high frequency IFNβs, younger age (<40 years), and male gender. The odds of developing liver enzyme abnormality were greatest in the first 15 months of treatment.

This study emphasises the need for regular monitoring of liver function for patients who are prescribed IFNβs.

authors: Chan S, Kingwell E, Oger J, Yoshida E, Tremlett H.

source: Mult Scler. 2010 Dec 10. [Epub ahead of print]

The Brazilian database on pregnancy in multiple sclerosis

As multiple sclerosis (MS) has a female predominance, the effect of pregnancy has been evaluated in a number of studies. In this study the results from the Brazilian national database on pregnancy in MS are reported.

As in previous studies the relapse rate was found to be significantly decreased during pregnancy and higher after delivery. However, the postpartum relapse rate was lower than the year preceding conception. This may be related to the use of corticosteroids or immunoglobulin immediately after delivery for MS patients in Brazil.

69.7% of the women studied were exposed to drugs for at least some time during pregnancy. The rate of obstetric, neonatal, and perinatal complications was low.

authors: Finkelsztejn A, Fragoso YD, Ferreira ML, Lana-Peixoto MA, Alves-Leon SV, Gomes S, Damasceno BP, Mendes MF, Salgado PR, Correa EC, Comini-Frota ER, Diniz DS, Gama PD, Kaimen-Maciel DR, Morales RR, Arruda WO, Grzesiuk AK, Khouri JM, Lopes JS, Rocha CF, Domingues R, Gonçalves MV, Lorenti MA, Parolin MK, Siquineli F, Tosta ED, Brooks JB, Gallina AS, Melges LD, Ruocco HH.

source: Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2010 Dec 13. [Epub ahead of print]

Vitamin D has a direct immunomodulatory effect on CD8+ T cells of patients with early multiple sclerosis and healthy control subjects

There is increasing interest in the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and potentially in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The active form of vitamin D has been shown to have an immunomodulatory effect on CD4+ T cells. In this study its effect on CD8+ T cells from ten patients was examined.
It was found that the addition of the active form of vitamin D to CD8+ T cells resulted in a reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an enhanced secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This effect was independent of the effect on CD4+ T cells.
As there is growing interest in the potential therapeutic effects of vitamin D CD8+ T cells could be used in conjunction with CD4+ T cells as potential markers in future trials of vitamin D in MS.

authors: Lysandropoulos AP, Jaquiéry E, Jilek S, Pantaleo G, Schluep M, Du Pasquier RA.

source: J Neuroimmunol. 2010 Dec 24. [Epub ahead of print]

Kinetics and incidence of anti-natalizumab antibodies in multiple sclerosis patients on treatment for 18 months

Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody shown to be effective in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In this observational study 64 patients being treated with natalizumab were studied. Nine of the patients developed antibodies to treatment, three were transiently positive while six remained positive.

Antibodies can be associated with hypersensitivity reactions, as well as treatment failure. The authors of this study recommend checking antibody status four to six months after starting treatment to detect most patients who are antibody positive, in order to avoid unnecessary drug exposure and reduce costs associated with treatment. They also recommend discontinuation of treatment in patients with two consecutive positive results, and in those who develop hypersensitivity reactions.

authors: Oliver B, Fernández O, Orpez T, Alvarenga MP, Pinto-Medel MJ, Guerrero M, León A, López-Madrona JC, Maldonado-Sánchez R, García-León JA, Luque G, Fernández V, Leyva L.

source: Mult Scler. 2010 Dec 21. [Epub ahead of print]

MS News


	Summaries of MS news from websites around the world.

US think tank on Progressive MS

source: NMSS

The US National MS Society recently brought together MS investigators, research funding agencies and industry representatives to map out next steps to move the field toward better understanding of factors underlying MS progression and to increase the number and quality of clinical trials in progressive MS.

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