Une étude d’association sur l’ensemble du génome réalisée

Une étude d’association sur l’ensemble du génome réalisée auprès d’une population à risque élevé de sclérose en plaques révèle une association à la SP de variants du gène STAT3

La sclérose en plaques est une maladie complexe de cause inconnue. Des facteurs génétiques et des facteurs environnementaux semblent toutefois jouer un rôle dans le déclenchement de la SP. Les auteurs de l’étude dont il est question ici se sont penchés sur l’impact de certains variants génétiques – récemment liés à la SP – sur le risque de SP. Leur étude a été menée en Finlande auprès d’une vaste population de personnes atteintes de SP et de personnes en bonne santé. Elle a permis de découvrir l’existence d’un variant génétique qui protège contre la SP. Il est intéressant de noter que ce gène avait déjà été associé à une autre maladie auto-immune, ce qui laisse supposer qu’il joue un rôle important dans le système immunitaire et dans la pathogenèse des maladies auto-immunes. Am J Hum Genet. 2010 Feb 12;86(2):285-291.

 http://www.mssociety.ca/fr/recherche/medmmo_20100303_STAT3.htm

Results of Phase II “CHOICE” Study Published

Results of Phase II "CHOICE" Study Published, Showing that Daclizumab Reduced Disease Activity in Relapsing MS, and Revealing Novel Immune Mechanism

230 people with relapsing MS taking interferon beta and having disease activity were administered one of two doses of daclizumab (Biogen Idec and Facet Biotech Corp.) or placebo - show that the higher dose reduced disease activity on MRI scans by 72% and the lower dose by 25%. Immune analyses show that this reduction was associated with a dramatic increase in CD56bright NK cells - an unexpected finding. Daclizumab is a laboratory-created monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of interleukin-2 receptor-alpha, a key immune activator in MS. The drug is approved for use in organ transplant rejection. The Lancet Neurology, Early Online Publication, 16 February 2010

http://www.mssociety.ca/en/research/medmmo_20100304.htm

Les résultats de la phase II de l’étude CHOICE indiquent une réduction


Les résultats de la phase II de l’étude CHOICE indiquent une réduction de l’activité de la maladie sous l’effet du daclizumab chez des patients atteints d’une forme rémittente de SP, en plus de révéler un mécanisme immunitaire jamais observé auparavant

 

Au cours de cet essai clinique, 230 personnes atteintes d’une forme rémittente de SP, traitées par l’interféron bêta et présentant des signes d’activité de la maladie ont reçu soit l’une ou l’autre des deux doses de daclizumab (Biogen Idec et Facet Biotech Corp.) à l’étude, soit un placebo. Les clichés IRM réalisés dans le cadre de cet essai ont permis de constater que la plus forte des deux doses avait permis une réduction de l’activité de la maladie de 72 %, alors que la plus faible dose avait réduit cette activité de 25 %. Aussi, les analyses portant sur la réaction immunitaire ont révélé que cette réduction était associée à une augmentation importante du nombre de cellules tueuses naturelles CD56 de forte expression (dites CD56bright), ce qui constitue une observation inattendue. Le daclizumab est un anticorps monoclonal synthétisé en laboratoire dont l’action consiste à bloquer l’activité du récepteur alpha de l’interleukine-2 (IL-2), considéré comme un activateur clé de la réponse immunitaire dans la SP. L’utilisation de ce médicament a déjà été approuvée pour prévenir le rejet de greffes. The Lancet Neurology, version électronique publiée le 16 février 2010

 

http://www.mssociety.ca/fr/recherche/medmmo_20100303.htm

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Information and news

 

Barchester Healthcare

MS deterioration ’slowed by new therapy’
Barchester Healthcare
 other leading institutions in the state, said: "Previous research has shown that treatment with daclizumab reduced multiple sclerosis disease activity. 

MSNBC TV Will Feature BrainStorm Today
MarketWatch (press release)
The company’s goal is to find a cure for various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis through its innovative stem 
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Presenting Sponsors Announced for St. Patty’s Run Green 8K
MyNC.com
"What better way to raise money for multiple sclerosis research than a run and activities in Moore Square?" The race includes a competitive 8K run, 
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Head of Operations
Third Sector
The MS Society is the UK’s leading charity for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). This devastating neurological condition affects more than 85000 
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) : News and Information

 

Brain blood vessels clue to MS
Tehran Times
More than 55% of multiple sclerosis patients have been found to have constricted blood  but not proof that this caused MS - as one leading expert claims. 
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine and Miami Valley Hospital 
PR Newswire (press release)
This announcement will place us at the forefront of leading scientific research and positions both Miami Valley and the Boonshoft School of Medicine as 
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Genzyme says Carl Icahn to nominate 4 to its board
Reuters
O), an equally venerable biotech whose multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri has been dogged by safety concerns. Genzyme has been racing — belatedly — to 
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Latest news

 

Copaxone(R) 15-Year Study in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Demonstrates Robust 
MarketWatch (press release)
The data were published in the February issue of the journal Multiple Sclerosis. The 15-year clinical study demonstrated that more than 80 percent of 
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Fears MS sufferers are at risk from contaminated cannabis
WalesOnline
LEADING cannabis campaigner claims multiple sclerosis sufferers are being driven into the arms of illegal dealers selling the drug laced with glass 
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The Straight Dope: Time to recognize real benefits of medical marijuana
San Lorenzo Valley Press-Banner
The timing is propitious in this case, as the Center for Medical Cannabis Research at the University of California — established in 2000 as a result of 
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Dr. Paolo Zamboni: Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS

 
Overview and FAQ
November 2009
 
"As President and CEO of the MS Society, I am aware of the tremendous interest across Canada and around the world caused by the recent news coverage of the CCSVI study. Indeed I share your excitement and hope in the preliminary findings of this study. I also celebrate and respect the integrity of our research funding programs which will continue to ensure that the very best projects are selected and supported. For more detail on this process please link here."
 
Yves Savoie
President and chief executive officer
President, Ontario Division
 
Overview
 
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) describes a hypothetical disruption of blood flow in which the venous system is not able to efficiently remove blood from the central nervous system resulting in increased pressure in the veins of the brain and spinal cord which in turn results in damage to these areas.  Recent reports have revived the idea of an association between inadequate venous drainage and multiple sclerosis.
 
The MS Society of Canada is aware of recent reports on the subject of CCSVI that may open up new avenues of research including new therapies for MS.  While the early data shows promise, it is important to acknowledge that the concepts surrounding CCSVI and multiple sclerosis are still relatively new and requires replication and validation in much larger, well-designed scientific studies before they can be accepted as established.
 
The MS Society of Canada is closely monitoring all research related to CCSVI and will post new information on www.mssociety.ca
 
FAQ
 
1.  What is CCSVI?
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is a term used to describe a hypothetical situation in which the venous system is not able to efficiently remove blood from the central nervous system. It is stated that this is related to narrowing of small venous structures in the neck, chest and spine.
 
2. Why is there a sudden interest in CCSVI and MS?
Media attention and a few recent reports have revived speculation about a possible dysfunction of brain blood flow and/or drainage in individuals who have MS. In particular, one study involving 65 people with different types of MS compared with 235 people who were healthy or who had other neurological disorders, a robust relationship was found between having MS and signs of venous insufficiency – suggesting that blood drainage by veins may be impaired, contributing to nerve tissue damage. This study, by Paulo Zamboni, MD (University of Ferrara - Ferrara, Italy) and colleagues, was published in 2009. (J Neurology Neurosurgery Psychiatry. 2009 Apr; 80 (4): 392-9. Epub. 2008 Dec 5.)
 
The investigators called this venous obstruction “chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency” or CCSVI. The treatment status of the people with MS did not appear to influence whether they showed signs of CCSVI. The authors speculate that the abnormal venous drainage of blood back from the brain and spine might set off the inflammation and immune-mediated damage that is characteristic of MS.
 
3. Do these reports of a possible association between insufficient vein drainage and MS mean that MS is caused by venous insufficiency?
Not necessarily. Based on what has been published so far, we can only say that MS may occur in association with impaired venous drainage of the central nervous system. This impairment, if truly present, could cause MS but it is possible that it is incidental to the disease. More study is needed.
 
4.  How has CCSVI been treated?
Researchers involved with CCSVI have used “balloons” to open up narrowed veins or inserted stents into veins to help keep them open. This work is at a very early stage and has been performed on only a very small number of patients.  It requires passing a catheter (wire) through the veins to the area of venous narrowing so that it can be widened and is not without risk including the chance of bleeding or the formation of abnormal blood clots.
 
5.  Will the treatment of CCSVI be useful for the various forms of MS?
Whether this type of treatment will be useful in any form of MS is currently unknown as research on this question is at a very early stage.  Much more work needs to be done.
  
6.  What is the MS Society’s position on CCSVI?
The MS Society of Canada believes that this topic opens up new avenues of research in MS including the possibility of new treatments. Although the early data are of great interest, it is important to acknowledge that the concept of CCSVI as a cause of MS and the use of stents or balloons to widen veins as treatments, are ideas that are far from being accepted by most researchers in the field. The early results need to be replicated and validated in much larger well-designed studies.
 
The MS Society of Canada is closely monitoring all research related to CCSVI and will post new information on www.mssociety.ca.
 
7.  Does the MS Society currently fund research into CCSVI?
At the present time, the MS Society of Canada does not fund research into CCSVI but it is open to the possibility of funding appropriately designed studies that address this topic.
 
The MS Society of Canada welcomes research proposals from qualified investigators based in Canadian institutions whose research questions are relevant to multiple sclerosis. All proposals received are thoroughly evaluated by expert volunteer scientific peer review panels from major academic research institutions. Proposals are evaluated for their scientific merit and relevance to the field of MS. This same policy would apply to potential research projects on the topic of CCSVI and MS.
 
8.  Does the MS Society recommend people travel to get potential treatments related to this new idea?
The MS Society believes that this is a question to be addressed by the individual to their neurologist/physician. It is noteworthy that the treatment ideas in question are very new and not scientifically established.
 
9.  I have MS. Should I be tested for signs of CCSVI?
Please consult your neurologist/physician for medical advice on this topic.

MS Society Canada

Why is the Durham Region MS Society looking for you?

 The Durham Region Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is currently recruiting for a Chair Person. The Chapter Chair is a member of the chapter executive team and is responsible for presiding at all meetings, oversees the general affairs of the Chapter and ensure all orders of the Board of Directors are carried out. Candidates should be members of the CCFC (or willing to obtain membership), have basic knowledge of board functions, excellent organizational skills, a sense of responsibility and bondable. To apply for this position and obtain further information, contact Debbie at (905) 683-0388 or by email at ms.durham@bellnet.ca

 

Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Durham Region Chapter

The Multiple Sclerosis society of Canada has many local chapters to assist at the community level.  Just east of Toronto Ontario is the community of Durham Region consisting of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Brock, Scugog and Clarington.  Having a local chapter in the Durham Region helps those inflicted with Multiple Sclerosis as well supports their caregivers.  If you are newly diagnosed and need information on Multiple Sclerosis and the various options available to you contact the staff at the MS Society Durham Chapter.  They have a wealth of information that is designed to help you.  Various events and fundraisers throughout the year help to raise funds that help both the local community and the fight to end MS. 

If you are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis or know someone who is, contact you local Chapter In Durham Region and get involved.   

You can contact the Multiple Sclerosis Durham Region Chapter directly at;

#6-400 Dundas St W
Whitby, ON L1N 2M7
Telephone : +1 (905) 668-0388,
Fax : +1 (905) 668-6904
ms.durham@bellnet.ca
 

Documentary Captures Life in a Wheelchair

by Catherine Mabe

What could you learn if you gave a few people cameras and asked them to show you their lives? That’s the question writer, director, and producer Gretchen Berland set out to answer when she mounted cameras to the wheelchairs of three Los Angeles residents and gave them free rein to film their daily lives.

Two years later, Berland had 212 hours of tape, which was a complex mixture of wit, sadness, happiness, frustration, humor . . .  and everything in-between. When cut down, the tape (which gives viewers a real, first-person perspective of what it’s like for the wheelchair-bound to navigate through life) was transformed into the one-hour documentary, Rolling: Life in a Wheelchair.
 
The Main Subjects of Rolling:
  • Galen Buckwalter, a clinical psychologist who ran “for the sheer fun of it” until, he says, “. . . a smooth swan dive on a nice summer day ended when I hit a rock and was left paralyzed from the neck down. I’ve used a wheelchair for 30 years now.”
  • Ernie Wallengren, a 48-year-old TV writer with five children. Wallengren suffers from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and can no longer walk as a result. “I am bored beyond belief,” he says of life with the disease. “The boredom—boy, is that the mainstay of life with ALS.” 
  • Vicki Elman, whose battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) ended her career as the business manager for a department at the UCLA School of Medicine. One of the most heart-wrenching scenes in this film centers on Elman’s intense frustration over the malfunction of her motorized wheelchair when she is dropped off 10 feet from the entrance to her home. She remains there as the sun sets because a company policy prevents the access van driver from helping her to her door.
  • All three subjects were involved in editing the film to ensure that the reality of their everyday moments was preserved and presented in the way the film intended. Berland is quick to point out that since her approach to Rolling was far from traditional, aspects of the film’s production were untraditional as well.
Berland hopes the film’s real message resonates far and wide, from the masses that catch it on public television to health policy decision-makers. She is planning a screening for members of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Produced, written, and directed by Berland, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale University, Rolling is presented on public television by Thirteen/WNET New York and distributed by American Public Television (check local listings for show times.).