MS research update - 23 July 2009
- Regular exercise improves fatigue, depression and quality of life in MS
- Men and women respond different to interferon beta therapy
- Increased levels of hormone prolactin promote remyelination
- Fear of injecting influences long-term use of drug treatment in MS
- Oligoclonal bands not linked to disease severity or progression
Regular exercise improves fatigue, depression and quality of life in MS
121 people with MS took part in a study to assess the effects of exercise on fatigue, depression and quality of life. The participants were divided in to two groups; exercisers took part in at least two half hour exercise sessions per week while the non-exercisers did not participate in any regular physical activity. At the end of the study, questionnaires were used to assess individual levels of fatigue, depression and quality of life. The exercisers scored better than the non-exercisers in all aspects suggesting that regular exercise can have a positive effect on fatigue, depression and quality of life for people with MS.
Stroud NM, Minahan CL.
The impact of regular physical activity on fatigue, depression and quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2009; 207(1): 68.
Medline abstract
Men and women respond different to interferon beta therapy
The aim of this study was to determine whether men and women respond differently to a standard disease modifying drug therapy, interferon beta. 2570 people with relapsing remitting MS on a course of interferon beta therapy were followed over seven years. The results of the study suggest that men had a lower risk than women for reaching a first relapse whilst on therapy; but a higher risk of progression by one point assessed by EDSS. These findings appear to suggest that men and women respond differently to interferon beta therapy.
Trojano M, Pellegrini F, Paolicelli D, et al.
Post-marketing of disease modifying drugs in multiple sclerosis: An exploratory analysis of gender effect in interferon beta treatment.
Journal of Neurological Sciences 2009 [Epub ahead of print] .
Medline abstract
Increased levels of hormone prolactin promote remyelination
Existing research has suggested a link between sex hormones and the risk of developing MS, and the risk of relapse in MS. This article discusses the role of the hormone prolactin in repairing the damage to myelin that is seen in MS. Research suggests that the raised levels of prolactin seen during pregnancy are linked to the increased production of new oligodendrocytes (cells that produce meylin) and subsequent repair processes. The potential role of prolactin as a treatment for MS is discussed.
Gregg C.
Pregnancy, prolactin and white matter regeneration.
Journal of Neurological Sciences 2009 [Epub ahead of print] .
Medline abstract
Fear of injecting influences long-term use of drug treatment in MS
This study investigated how the fear of injections in the initial stages of a course of drug treatment can influence how likely the person is to remain on treatment beyond the initial stages. The study concludes that initial injection anxiety influences levels of adherence over the longer term.
Turner AP, Williams RM, Sloan AP, et al.
Injection anxiety remains a long-term barrier to medication adherence in multiple sclerosis.
Rehabilitation Psychology 2009; 54(1):116-121.
Medline abstract
Oligoclonal bands not linked to disease severity or progression
MRI scans, lumbar punctures and visual evoked potential are amongst the diagnostic tools that may be used to confirm a diagnosis of MS. This study aimed to identify any correlations between the presence of oligoclonal bands (laboratory indicators) in the cerebrospinal fluid - the fluid that fills and protects cavities in the brain and spinal cord - of people with MS and distinctive characteristics of the condition. The presence of oligoclonal bands did not appear to correlate with disease severity, disease progression, number of relapses, or yearly relapse rate. The study concluded that a lack of oligoclonal bands is not necessarily suggestive of a more benign course of MS.
Siritho S, Freedman MS.
The prognostic significance of cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis.
Journal of Neurological Sciences 2009; 279(1-2):21-25.
Medline abstract