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More language versions of MS in focus now available

MS in focus issue five on healthy living is now available in Italian and French, and issues six (intimacy and sexuality), seven (rehabilitation) and eight (genetics) are available in Italian.

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Profile of the Month : January 2009

Kürşat Korkut

Age: 39
Country: Turkey
Type of MS: RRMS
Year of diagnosis: 2002

I believe that we will beat MS, and encourage you to live your life and don't let MS overcome you.

Read the full article here:

English Espanol Italiano Francais Deutsch Русский

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Alemtuzumab vs. interferon beta-1a in early multiple sclerosis

In this interesting study, the results of a phase II trial of a new treatment called alemtuzumab (Campath) were reported. The new treatment was compared with Rebif 44 and resulted in fewer relapses and benefits in preventing disability. The authors also suggested that the treatment might allow some recovery of function. However there is a risk of side effects, in particular low platelets, which can cause bleeding and unfortunately one patient in the study died. A larger phase III study in now underway to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in MS.

authors: CAMMS223 Trial Investigators, Coles AJ, Compston DA, Selmaj KW, Lake SL, Moran S, Margolin DH, Norris K, Tandon PK

source: N Engl J Med. 2008 Oct 23; 359(17):1786-80

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Identification of a novel risk locus for multiple sclerosis at 13q31.3 by a pooled genome-wide scan of 500,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms

It is known that genes play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. In this study the authors found another region in the DNA, on chromosome 13, that may be linked to a higher risk of developing MS.

authors: Comabella M, Craig DW, Camiña-Tato M, Morcillo C, Lopez C, Navarro A, Rio J; BiomarkerMS Study Group, Montalban X, Martin R

source: PLoS ONE 2008;3(10):e3490. 2008 Oct 22

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The effects of interferon beta-1a on proton MR spectroscopic imaging in patients with multiple sclerosis, a controlled study, preliminary results

In this small study the authors looked at the effects of treatment with interferon on the composition of the brain tissue in people with MS using MRI spectroscopy. They found some changes over time in people on treatment.

authors: Toprak MK, Cakir B, Ulu EM, Arat Z, Benli US, Can U, Ağildere M

source: Int J Neurosci. 2008 Dec;118(12):1645-58

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Natalizumab disproportionately increases circulating pre-B and B cells in multiple sclerosis

In this study the authors investigated the effect of natalizumab, a new treatment for severe MS, on immune cells. They found some changes in the B cells which might help explain some of the side effects that are seen.

authors: Krumbholz M, Meinl I, Kümpfel T, Hohlfeld R, Meinl E

source: Neurology 2008 Oct 21; 71(17):1350-4

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Demyelinating optic neuritis in children

Optic neuritis can be the first symptom of MS and can sometimes occur in children. This study looked at the risk factors for subsequent development of MS in this patient group in order to identify those children who could benefit from early treatment.

authors: Alper G, Wang L

source: J Child Neurol. 2008 Oct 20 [Epub ahead of print]

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The persistency of high levels of pSTAT3 expression in circulating CD4+ T cells from CIS patients favors the early conversion to clinically defined multiple sclerosis

In this study, proteins and cells related to the immune response were investigated in a group of people with a first episode suggestive of MS. After one year the authors found that people who had a second attack had higher levels of a protein found in T cells, suggesting that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of MS.

authors: Frisullo G, Nociti V, Iorio R, Patanella AK, Marti A, Mirabella M, Tonali PA, Batocchi AP

source: J Neuroimmunol. 2008 Oct 14

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Results published: oral drug BG00012 reduced MRI inflammation in relapsing-remitting MS during phase 2 trial

source: US National MS Society

Results of a clinical trial involving 257 people with relapsing-remitting MS have now been published.

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UK MS Society recognised at prestigious awards

source: UK MS Society

The UK MS Society has been recognised for its good work at two prestigious awards ceremonies.

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