MS Research News from the MSIF

Research News from the MSIF

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

Oral fingolimod (FTY720) in multiple sclerosis: two-year results of a phase II extension study

This preliminary study reported that fingolimod, a new tablet treatment for relapsing remitting MS, was safe and effective in reducing relapse rate and inflammation of the brain. A larger phase III study is required.

authors: O'Connor P, Comi G, Montalban X, Antel J, Radue EW, de Vera A, Pohlmann H, Kappos L; FTY720 D2201 Study Group

source: Neurology. 2009 Jan 6;72(1):73-9

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Structural and functional MRI correlates of Stroop control in benign MS

The authors used a number of MRI techniques to study the brain areas involved in an attention related task in people with MS and minimal disability. They found that a larger number of areas were involved in people with MS compared to healthy subjects, suggesting a compensatory response to white matter lesions.

authors: Rocca MA, Valsasina P, Ceccarelli A, Absinta M, Ghezzi A, Riccitelli G, Pagani E, Falini A, Comi G, Scotti G, Filippi M

source: Hum Brain Mapp. 2009 Jan;30(1):276-90

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Caudate nuclei volume, diffusion tensor metrics, and T(2) relaxation in healthy adults and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: implications for understanding gray matter degeneration

The authors found MRI changes in a grey matter structure deep in the brain in people with MS and suggested that it might be a possible marker of the disease.

authors: Hasan KM, Halphen C, Kamali A, Nelson FM, Wolinsky JS, Narayana PA

source: J Magn Reson Imaging. 2009 Jan;29(1):70-7

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Restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis: A case-control study

Patients with restless legs syndrome suffer from sensory symptoms and a feeling that they need to move their legs. This study showed an increased risk in people with MS.

authors: Deriu M, Cossu G, Molari A, Murgia D, Mereu A, Ferrigno P, Manca D, Contu P, Melis M

source: Mov Disord. 2008 Dec 31. [Epub ahead of print]

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Is a preserved functional reserve a mechanism limiting clinical impairment in pediatric MS patients?

The authors used functional MRI to study motor function in children with MS. They found some changes in brain activation which suggested that recovery mechanisms in children are very effective.

authors: Rocca MA, Absinta M, Ghezzi A, Moiola L, Comi G, Filippi M

source: Hum Brain Mapp. 2008 Dec 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Gray matter atrophy correlates with MS disability progression measured with MSFC but not EDSS

This study supported others which have shown the importance in changes in grey matter in MS. The authors also concluded that the appearances on MRI do not always reflect patient's problems.

authors: Rudick RA, Lee JC, Nakamura K, Fisher E

source: J Neurol Sci. 2008 Dec 18. [Epub ahead of print]

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