MS research update - 07 May 2010
- Low levels of vitamin D linked to more frequent relapses in paediatric onset MS
- Bone marrow stem cells study shows promising results
Low levels of vitamin D linked to more frequent relapses in paediatric onset MS
There is increasing evidence that vitamin D influences the risk of developing MS and may also have a role in the treatment of the condition. This study investigated the link between levels of vitamin D and frequency of relapses in people with a diagnosis of MS or a first attack suggestive of MS before the age of 18.
The researchers collected blood samples of 110 people whose symptoms of MS began before the age of 18 and analysed them for levels of vitamin D. Participants were then monitored for relapses over an average period of 1.7 years. Those people who had lower levels of vitamin D experienced significantly more relapses compared to those people who had higher levels of vitamin D. The study offers interesting insight into the potential role of vitamin D in modifying disease activity in MS. These results need to be confirmed in larger studies.
Mowry EM, Krupp LB, Milazzo M, et al.
Vitamin D status is associated with relapse rate in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis.
Annals of Neurology 2010 May; 67(5):618-24.
Medline abstract
Bone marrow stem cells study shows promising results
The regenerative potential of stem cells in neurological conditions such as MS has stimulated much interest in recent years. This small study involved six people with MS who received bone marrow stem cell therapy.
The study participants received a general anaesthetic before bone marrow was extracted. The marrow cells were filtered and prepared so that they could be re-infused later the same day.
The progress of the participants was followed over the course of one year and no serious adverse effects were reported. Clinical measures also indicated that their MS was stable.
While the researchers say the results of this study are very encouraging, they acknowledge that further studies are needed to clarify the future potential role of stem cells in treating MS.
Rice CM, Mallam EA, Whone AL, et al.
Safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow cellular therapy in relapsing-progressive multiple sclerosis.
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2010; [Epub ahead of print].
Study abstract