19 February 2008

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MSIF News


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

MS in focus issue 11 – Stem Cells and Remyelination

MS in focus issue 11 – Stem Cells and Remyelination is now available in print, to download as a PDF, and view online:

‘This issue of MS in focus on stem cells and remyelination in MS comes at a time when the MS community is full of hope and purpose… We have brought together leading scientists who present a comprehensible picture of what is known about stem cells at this time, and where the efforts of scientists around the world are focused…’
Michele Messmer Uccelli, Editor, MS in focus

MSIF welcomes new International Scientific and Medical Research Officer

We welcome Dhia Chandraratna, in the new role of International Scientific and Medical Research Officer.

Evelyn Nicholson Award deadline 29 February 2008

The 2008 Evelyn Nicholson Award nominations deadline is fast approaching. Nominations must be submitted via national MS societies by 29 February 2008.

RFP for Economic Impact of MS Report

Letters of interest are invited for the Economic Impact of MS Report.

Global Dinner Party (GDP) – this Saturday!!

However, if you cannot hold your event on Saturday 23 February, then choose a date that is suitable for you…

Research News


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

Magnetization transfer ratio evolution with demyelination and remyelination in multiple sclerosis lesions.

This study used MTR, an advanced MRI technique, to measure damage and repair of myelin in MS. They found that, on average, most remyelination occurs within 4 months from acute inflammation. However, this was very variable within lesions and changes continued on a smaller scale for much longer.

authors: Chen JT, Collins DL, Atkins HL, Freedman MS, Arnold DL; the Canadian MS/BMT Study Group. Members of the Canadian MS/BMT Study Group are listed in the Appendix on page xx..

source: Ann Neurol. 2008 Feb 6 [Epub ahead of print]

Short-term combination of glatiramer acetate with IV steroid treatment preceding treatment with GA alone assessed by MRI-disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

This study looked at a combination of steroid and glatiramer in patients with relapsing-remitting MS and found a reduction in MRI activity. No comparisons were made with either therapy alone. They conclude that the treatment combination is safe.

authors: De Stefano N, Filippi M, Hawkins C; (and the 9011 study group).

source: J Neurol Sci. 2008 Mar 15;266(1-2):44-50. Epub 2007 Sep 25.

Accuracy of CSF and MRI criteria for dissemination in space in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

The authors looked at the accuracy of MRI scans and examination of spinal fluid in predicting MS after one episode of neurological dysfunction. They found that predictive value was increased if examination of spinal fluid was included.

authors: Villar LM, García-Barragán N, Sádaba MC, Espiño M, Gómez-Rial J, Martínez-San Millán J, González-Porqué P, Alvarez-Cermeño JC.

source: J Neurol Sci. 2008 Mar 15;266(1-2):34-7. Epub 2007 Sep 19.

Intravenous mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide as second-line therapy in multiple sclerosis: An open-label comparative study of efficacy and safety.

This open label study looked at mitoxantrone and cyclophosphamide in patients with severe relapsing remitting MS not responding to standard therapy, and in worsening secondary progressive MS. They found that both drugs reduced MRI activity, and disease progression was slightly slower in the mitoxantrone group. Side effects were more problematic in the cyclophosphamide group.

authors: Zipoli V, Portaccio E, Hakiki B, Siracusa G, Sorbi S, Pia Amato M.

source: J Neurol Sci. 2008 Mar 15;266(1-2):25-30. Epub 2007 Sep 17.

Immunomodulation and neuroprotection with mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells (MSCs): A proposed treatment for multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological/neurodegenerative diseases.

The authors summarise their recent interesting, preliminary work in stem cell therapy. Neural cells have been developed from bone marrow stem cells and successfully delivered in mouse models of MS. The authors have now started to test the safety of their approach in a small number of patients with various neurological problems.

authors: Karussis D, Kassis I, Kurkalli BG, Slavin S.

source: J Neurol Sci. 2008 Feb 15;265(1-2):131-5. Epub 2007 Jul 3.

MS News


	Summaries of MS news from websites around the world.

Protein comparison signals new target for treating MS

US researchers undertaking a comparison of the 2,538 proteins from persons with MS against healthy brains have discovered two damaged proteins never previously linked to MS.

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