The Many Benefits of Exercise. Regular exercise is crucial to reverse MS.
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The most important factor affecting the gait in MS? This study evaluated different factors that have impact in gait impairment associated with MS. Can you guess which one is the most important factor for speed of walking and balance ? Muscle strength. My note: The finding of this study may seem obvious, but no one really talks about it. Muscles can get stronger if they are properly and consistently trained. It is something you can have control over and therefore you can improve. Get a physio assessment and a personalized exercise program, follow it and you’ll see your gait improving.
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Treadmill training may be effective for improving mobility in people with Parkinson’s disease and MS, is the result of this systematic review and meta-analysis. Specifically, treadmill training improved walking velocity, stride and step length as well as walking endurance.
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Another new study shows the benefits of exercise training improves on multiple symptoms associated with MS, including weakness, fatigue and mood disturbance.
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This new study supports the benefits of exercise to improve brain health and function, as related to MS and Alzheimer’s. Previous studies have shown significant correlation between fitness and the degree of cognitive function in MS.
Herbs/Natural Supplements For Managing MS Symptoms
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Marijuana helps. This new study surveyed the use of marijuana in a US state where this herb is legal. All the participants in the study had MS. The results: 38% of those interviewed were using cannabis; 74% them disclosed that would consider using it. Cannabis was most often used for pain and sleeping problems and the participants experienced greater than 60% benefit/relief from its use. Over 90% of respondents desire more research on cannabis for MS.
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Marijuana for treating MS- more details in this new book “Frontiers in Natural Product Chemistry”.
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Curcumin. The conclusion of a review of multiple studies that evaluated curcumin was : “Curcuminoids have significant anti- neuroinflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties” and thus can reduce the development and symptoms of neuroinflammation, as well as neurodegeneration. Technical: multiple mechanisms of action: reduces inflammatory mediators (ie TNF-α, IL-1β, NO and NF-κB gene expression), positive impact on mitochondrial dynamics and even epigenetic changes. Another new study (animal model of MS) shows curcumin beneficial to improve muscle strength and prevent myelin damage.
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Alpha lipoic acid (ALA). A new systematic review of scientific literature (looking at ALA for central nervous system conditions) shows various benefits of ALA for brain health. Some studies found ALA beneficial for MS and migraines, while stronger evidence had been found for: psychiatric conditions (ie to treat schizophrenia symptoms, or to reduce side effects of antipsychotic meds), for Alzheimer’s prevention and managing stroke.
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Hemp seeds plus evening primrose oil. This new study suggests that hemp seeds-evening primrose oil combo may work as a potent immunomodulator and a good candidate for re-myelination and downregulation of immune response for treatment of MS. Histological findings showed that treated group remarkably regenerated the myelin sheath. Technical: mechanism of action: influences mTORC1 and IFN-γ gene expressions.
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Vitamin A supplementation has a positive impact on gene expression and may improve the levels of cytokines (chemicals involved in inflammation) and clinical signs of autoimmune disease, according to a new systematic review of scientific literature.
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Vitamin D derivatives combined with MS drug dimethyl fumarate work synergistically and could help treat MS when used together, suggests this study. Technical: mechanism of action: enhancement of VDR and Nrf2 protein expression and transcriptional activity (animal study).
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Thyme helps improve MS symptoms in animal models, according to this new study, and there are a few mechanisms involved. Technical: infiltration of inflammatory cells in the CNS is reduced by thyme. This herb also modulates certain cytokines in EAE and has anti-proliferative for MOG-stimulated splenocytes.
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Carvacrol, a key active ingredient in many essentials oils (ie oregano, thmye oil) shows benefits to manage MS symptoms in animal models, in this new study.
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Phytoestrogens(genistein) may have the therapeutic potential for demyelinating diseases, suggest the scientists of this new study (animal models of MS).
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Bilobalide, key active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba was found to improve behavioral performance and promote remyelination in this new study (animal models of MS).
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Bacoside-A (key active ingredient in Bacopa monerii) reduces the disease progression (animal models of MS), according to this new study.I wrote about this herb here.
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Homotaurine ameliorates disease (animal models of MS), according to this new study.Works by increasing GABA- I wrote here other natural supplements /therapies to raise GABA.
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Citric acid…effective for diabetes, MS and other metabolic diseases and used as a complementary treatment for some forms of cancer? A very short paper, listing some case studies and a list of research papers under references. I will look into it.
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Cerebrolysin increases motor recovery and decreases inflammation in EAE (the animal model of MS), according to this new study. I am familiar with this natural supplement (comes in injectable form, and is a combination of neuropeptides and free amino acids). Quite popular in Europe, where is recommended by neurologists. There are plenty of clinical trials on Cerebrolysin for various brain conditions. Worth looking into this option, if you have it available.
Other Natural Therapies & More News
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MS as a mast cell mediated disease- this concept again in the news, in this article; the author has some interesting thoughts related to this theory I wrote about histamine excess and mast cells here and here.
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The negative impact of metabolic syndrome on neurodegeneration, is suggested in this study.I wrote more about the link between abnormal sugar metabolism and MS here.
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Changes in smell associated with MS. Abnormal sense of smell had been linked with MS for quite some time. This new study further supports the fact that specific olfactory changes relate to either relapses or neurodegeneration.
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There is a significant increased risk of sexual dysfunction in people with MS- 2 new studies –first one and the second one-exploring this topic. My note: very few talk about this. If you experience sexual problems, I highly encourage you to seek professional help. In some cases the physical symptoms will interfere with sexual activity. But more often the psychological component is more prominent than the physical aspect. A healthy sex life is as important as a healthy diet, regular exercise and good quality sleep to maintain good health, in my opinion.
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An article about the history of MS and Dr Charcot work, who was the first one who recognized, researched and introduced MS as a neurological condition in medical textbooks. about one hundred and fifty years ago.
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HF‐rTMS (high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) and iTBS (intermittent theta‐burst stimulation) significantly reduce spasticity associated with MS, according to this new study conducted in individuals with SPMS.
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New study looking into MS therapies, focused on improving mitochondrial health.
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Neurotransmitters and MS- the link between excess glutamate and fatigue explored in this study. I wrote about glutamate here.
The Gut Microbiome
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The importance of gut flora and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) is explored in this new study. SCFAs have been shown to ameliorate symptoms of MS in animal models. In humans the gut microbiome appears to have fewer bacteria that produce SCFAs.
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A second new study looking at the gut microbiome and gut brain axis in MS and Parkinson’s.
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And a third study on the gut microbiome and brain conditions connection.
Genetics
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MS risk is linked with over 150 common genetic variants. This new study looked at rare genetic variants. Seven rare variants were identified in six genes. Technical: two variants already known to be associated with MS (TYK2 and GALC). The other variants were in genes not previously known to be associated with MS, but which are involved in the innate (NLRP8) and adaptive immune systems (HDAC7, PRF1, and PRKRA).
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DNA methylation is the best studied epigenetic mechanism, being considered a potential contributor to MS risk. B-cell specific DNA-methylation may be associated with MS risk or response to therapy, according to this new study.
MS Conventional Therapies & Other Drugs (Including Side Effects)
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A new drug for MS ? Maybe. This new patent application is about using arsenic trioxide for MS. It is not a new compound, had been researched in the past as a chemo drug. My note: No, I do not like it. Arsenic, lead and mercury toxicity had been linked with MS, these metals seem to accumulate in excess (the detox mechanisms are often deficient in autoimmune conditions).
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Low-dose aspirin may benefit patients with MS, is the result of this new study (animal models of MS). Technical: it works through interleukin-11–mediated protection of regulatory T cells.
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Emoxypine, also known as Mexidol (with a similar chemistry with vitamin B6 shows to be effective in a variety of neurological conditions, including MS, says this study. Is used intravenous or intramuscular. My note:worth exploring this less known drug.
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Dimercaprol (as an alternative to hydralazine and phenelzine) could help reduce oxidative stress could help treat MS, according to this study. Mechanism of action: these drugs neutralize acrolein.
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Stem cell therapy appears effective in some neurological conditions including advanced Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy. In this new study, there were 4 patients with MS treated as well in this study, and two responded well. Complications of stem cell therapy below.
Adverse Events MS Drugs
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Daclizumab- a case of severe disease activity (20 + new MRI lesions) after discontinuing this drug (it was withdrawn from the market earlier this year, I wrote about this here).
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Alemtuzumab- thyroid complications: based on this study that evaluated about 162 MS patients taking this drug, 71 (44%) developed thyroid dysfunction, most of whom developed Graves’ disease.
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Alemtuzumab-A new case of hemophilia A related to the use of this drug.
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Alemtuzumab-Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia after Alemtuzumab Infusion- a new case report.
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Alemtuzumab-3 cases of vitiligo (autoimmune disease) following alemtuzumab treatment, described in this new research paper.
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Natalizumab…really worth taking it ? Think twice, perhaps three times before taking it. Quick history of this monoclonal antibody in this paper. Was approved in 2004 for treating MS and Crohn’s, but after reported deaths from taking this drug (due to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy), FDA removed from the market. Put back on the market in 2006 as requested by people with MS. It is closely monitored now under TOUCH Prescribing Program. My note: I do not recommend Natalizumab or any other monoclonal antibodies. I see more risks than benefits.
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Cladribine back on the drug list for treating MS. Same issue. Approved, then withdrawn due to safety concerns, now back on the market, more details in this new paper. My note: This is a chemo drug from a class of medications known as purine analogs. I see more risks than benefits for taking this drug as well.
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Fingolimod. Brain infection with hydrocephalus (abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain) from fingolimod use- case report. It was a bacterial infection (Listeria monocytogenes).
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Fingolimod-Warts linked with fingolimod use in this case report. While skin warts may seem harmless, be aware that they are associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, and therefore with an increased risk of other HPV-driven conditions ie cervical cancer and anogenital cancers.
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Complications of stem cell therapy (ASCT) in this new study conducted on 90 individuals who had this procedure(53 of them with MS, the rest had other conditions). The results of this study: a lot of infections (some serious), acute kidney injuries (most of them requiring dialysis), liver dysfunctions, bladder issues, 2 individuals developed cancer and five persons died.