MS research update - 13 November 2009
- Research links teenage obesity to increased risk of MS
- War-related stress triggers greater MS disease activity and increase relapses
- Benefits of cannabinoids for MS spasticity - objective and subjective evidence
Research links teenage obesity to increased risk of MS
Research recently published suggests that teenage obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing MS in adulthood. This US-based study used data that was collated over a period of 40 years on the lifestyle, diet and health of 238,000 female nurses. Information on the weight and height of the women at age 18, enabled researchers to calculate the body mass index (BMI) and distinguish obese women from those with healthy BMI scores. Information about body weight at ages five, 10 and 20 was captured by asking the women to identify a silhouette that best represented their body shape and size at those ages. Based on the information provided by these women, obesity during childhood - at ages 5 and ten, and past adolescence - at age 20 - was not linked to increased risk of adult onset MS.
This study has its limitations - not least because it relies on subjective perceptions of body image. It also fails to account for other factors that may contribute to the risk of developing MS. Further empirical research is needed to determine whether this study draws valid conclusions about a possible link between teenage obesity and risk of developing MS.
Munger KL, Chitnis T, Ascherio A, et al.
Body size and risk of MS in two cohorts of US women.
Neurology 2009; 73(19):1543-50.
Medline abstract
War-related stress triggers greater MS disease activity and increase relapses
Stress is one of many factors that can worsen existing MS symptoms and potentially trigger a relapse. The present study examined the relationship between experience of war-related events and the level of MS disease activity on MRI and the number of relapses individuals experienced. Data for 216 people with MS who had clinically definite relapsing remitting MS prior to the 2006 Israeli-Lebanese war were studied to determine whether any changes occurred during the war period. Records of MRI scans and relapse histories of each patient spanned pre-war, wartime, and post-war.
The researchers found that the total number of relapses during the war period were significantly higher than during non-war periods. Furthermore, higher levels of disease activity were seen on MRI scans that were carried out during war-time compared with non-war periods.
Yamout B, Itani S, Hourany R, et al.
The effect of war stress on multiple sclerosis exacerbations and radiological disease activity.
Journal of neurological sciences 2009; [Epub ahead of print].
Medline abstract
Benefits of cannabinoids for MS spasticity - objective and subjective evidence
In recent years, research has investigated the potential role of cannabis derived medicines in treating MS-related pain and spasticity. However, cannabis based medicines are not yet licensed in the treatment of MS in the UK because of a lack of data supporting their effectiveness. The present study aimed to determine whether cannabinoids improve spasticity in people with MS. The researchers compiled all the evidence relating to the use of cannabinoids in people with MS and systematically worked though the results of each trial.
Randomized controlled trials (trials which use validated research methods) have failed to confirm that there is sufficient objective (non-biased and clinically measured) evidence to suggest cannabinoids have a beneficial effect on MS-related spasticity. However, improvements in subjective assessments (improvements reported by the patient) indicate that cannabinoids can have a beneficial effect on spasticity. This article concludes by asserting that further research, as well as the development of measures that capture both subjective and objective changes in spasticity, are needed to confirm the effectiveness of cannabinoinds in treating this symptom.
Thaera GM, Wellik KE, Carter JL, et al.
Do cannabinoids reduce multiple sclerosis-related spasticity?
Neurologist 2009; 15(6): 369-71.
Medline abstract