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Patients' Perspective on Stem Cell Research - survey results

The European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) has recently published the results of a survey about stem cell research.

The survey was completed by 5,000 patients and carers from 21 European countries during November and December 2005. The results show that patients want to be involved in the debate on stem cell research and did not think patients and/or patient organisations were currently sufficiently involved.

For a summary of the survey, click here: Stem cell survey article.pdf

Success of MSIF's Quality of Life Principles

One year after its launch, MSIF's publication Principles to Promote the Quality of Life of People with Multiple Sclerosis has been downloaded 19,557 times, an average of 54 times per day.

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UK Cannabinoid trial for progressive Multiple Sclerosis

source: UK MS Society

People with progressive MS wanted to take part in a clinical trial.

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Have you taken part in a study about genetics and MS?

The upcoming edition of MS in focus looks at genetics. We would like to hear from you if you have taken part in a study about genetics and MS.

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Profile of the Month : January 2008

John Brown

Home: Christchurch, New Zealand
Age: 68
Diagnosis: May 1966
Occupation: Journalist

English Deutsch Espanol Francais Italiano Russian

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Emerging therapeutic targets in multiple sclerosis

This review summarises what is known of the different mechanisms of pathology in MS and how this will direct future treatment strategies.

authors: Fontoura P, Steinman L, Miller A.

source: Curr Opin Neurol. 2006 Jun;19(3):260-266.

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Neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis: therapeutic strategies and clinical trial design

This review looks at advances made in understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in MS and the implications of this for designing future treatment trials.

authors: Kapoor R.

source: Curr Opin Neurol. 2006 Jun;19(3):255-9.

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Immunological studies of mitoxantrone in primary progressive MS

This longitudinal study looked at the immunological effects of mitoxanthrone in primary progressive MS. The immunological effects seemed to be greatest in patients with active inflammation on MRI scans, although the sample size was small.

authors: Pelfrey CM, Cotleur AC, Zamor N, Lee JC, Fox RJ.

source: J Neuroimmunol. 2006 Jun;175(1-2):192-199. Epub 2006 Apr 27.

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B lineage cells in the inflammatory central nervous system environment: Migration, maintenance, local antibody production, and therapeutic modulation

This paper reviews what is known of the effects of antibody-producing B-cells in MS and how this may relate to potential treatments.

authors: Meinl E, Krumbholz M, Hohlfeld R.

source: Ann Neurol. 2006 Jun;59(6):880-892.

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Antibiotic use and risk of multiple sclerosis.

This retrospective case-control study looked at whether antibiotic use, especially against Chylamydophila pneumonia, was associated with lower risk of MS, hypothesizing that bacteria are implicated in its development. They found no evidence that this was the case but noted a slightly lower risk in people who had used penicillin in the previous three years, the significance of which is unclear.

authors: Alonso A, Jick SS, Jick H, Hernan MA.

source: Am J Epidemiol. 2006 Jun 1;163(11):997-1002. Epub 2006 Apr 5.

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Transient axonal injury in the absence of demyelination: a correlate of clinical disease in acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

This rat study looked at the mechanisms of axonal degeneration, the process thought to be responsible for accumulating disability in MS, and found evidence that nitric oxide pathways may be involved. These could have potential to be a future therapeutic target.

authors: Aboul-Enein F, Weiser P, Hoftberger R, Lassmann H, Bradl M.

source: Acta Neuropathol (Berl). 2006 Jun;111(6):539-47. Epub 2006 Apr 25.

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Plasma cerebrosterol and magnetic resonance imaging measures in multiple sclerosis.

Correlations were found between levels of a chemical tested for by blood test and MRI measures of disease activity, which could be useful for monitoring progress of the disease.

authors: Karrenbauer VD, Leoni V, Lim ET, Giovannoni G, Ingle GT, Sastre-Garriga J, Thompson AJ, Rashid W, Davies G, Miller DH, Bjorkhem I, Masterman T.

source: Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2006 Jul;108(5):456-60. Epub 2005 Sep 6.

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Debate favouring early treatment for MS - Pros and Cons Debated in Medical Journal

source: US National MS Society

An editorial accompanying a published debate on the pros and cons of starting treatment early in the course of MS comes down in favour of early treatment.

This opinion coincides with a consensus paper published by the US National MS Society. The April issue of the Archives of Neurology features both sides of this debate on early treatment for MS.

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New additions to UK MS Trust website

source: UK MS Trust

The UK MS Trust has new additions to their website which may be of interest to readers.

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New US Step-by-Step Guide for MS Caregivers

source: CareTrust Publications

CareTrust Publications, in collaboration with the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society, have offered viewers the opportunity to read a sample chapter of The Comfort of Home Multiple Sclerosis Edition™: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide for Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers.

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