Research News

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

White matter plasticity and enhanced remyelination in the maternal CNS

This study investigates whether MS remission during pregnancy could be due to enhanced remyelination, with positive results. The hormone prolactin is identified as a potential therapeutic agent.

authors: Gregg C, Shikar V, Larsen P, Mak G, Chojnacki A, Yong VW, Weiss S.

source: J Neurosci. 2007 Feb 21;27(8):1812-23

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Helminths as governors of immune-mediated inflammation

This paper summarises recent studies which have found that parasitic worms may stimulate our immune sytems and protect us against inflammatory conditions.

authors: Elliott DE, Summers RW, Weinstock JV

source: Int J Parasitol. 2006 Dec 28; [Epub ahead of print]

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A secondary progressive clinical course is uncommon in neuromyelitis optica

This study in 96 patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a condition involving inflammation in the spinal cord and optic nerves, shows that a secondary progressive course is very rare. The authors suggest that this demonstrates a dissociation between relapses and progression in demyelinating conditions.

authors: Wingerchuk DM, Pittock SJ, Lucchinetti CF, Lennon VA, Weinshenker BG

source: Neurology. 2007 Feb 20;68(8):603-5

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Cerebral Cortical Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis Detected by MR Imaging at 8 Tesla

This post-mortem study in one patient demonstrates that high field MR scanning can demonstrate cortical lesions which may not be clearly visible otherwise, even pathologically.

authors: Kangarlu A, Bourekas EC, Ray-Chaudhury A, Rammohan KW

source: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2007 Feb;28(2):262-6

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APOE epsilon4 is associated with impaired verbal learning in patients with MS

This Greek study in 125 MS patients investigated the association of the 4 allelle of the gene APOE, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, with cognitive function. Having the gene was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment.

authors: Koutsis G, Panas M, Giogkaraki E, Potagas C, Karadima G, Sfagos C, Vassilopoulos D.

source: Neurology. 2007 Feb 20;68(8):546-9

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