The Effect of Cannabis on the Clinical and Cytokine Profiles in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background. Multiple studies have reported that cannabis administration in multiple sclerosis patients is associated with decreased symptom severity. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of cannabis abuse in multiple sclerosis cases and to evaluate the effect of cannabis on serum cytokines in such cases. Patients and Methods. A total of 150 multiple sclerosis cases along with 150 healthy controls were included during the study period. All cases were subjected to history taking, neurological examination, and routine investigations. Cases were asked about cannabis intake which was confirmed by a urine test. Serum cytokines including IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-22, IFN-γ, IFN-β1, and TNF-α were ordered for all cases and controls. Results. Twenty-eight cases were cannabis abusers (MS/cannabis group, 18.67%). The remaining 122 cases represented the MS group. There was no significant difference between the three groups regarding age, disease duration, or MS type. Male gender was more predominant in the MS/cannabis group, and the number of relapses was significantly lower in the same group. Fifteen cases (53.6%) reported that their symptoms were improved by cannabis. Proinflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in the MS group compared to the MS/cannabis and control groups. Additionally, anti-inflammatory cytokines had significantly lower values in the MS group compared to the MS/cannabis and control groups. Most clinical symptoms were significantly improved in the MS/cannabis group compared to the MS group apart from sexual dysfunction, bladder symptoms, and visual disturbances. Mild side effects of cannabis were also reported. Conclusion. Cannabis may have a positive impact on the cytokine and clinical profiles in cases with multiple sclerosis.

Download Full-text

In Vivo Study of the Action of a Topical Anti-Inflammatory Drug In Rat Teeth Submitted To Dental Bleaching

Brazilian Dental Journal ◽

10.1590/0103-6440201802177 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. 555-561 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Francine Benetti ◽

André Luiz Fraga Briso ◽

Luciana Louzada Ferreira ◽

Marina Carminatti ◽

Larissa Álamo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Tests ◽

Control Groups ◽

Pulp Tissue ◽

Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽

Dental Bleaching ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Pulp Inflammation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Anti Inflammatory ◽

And Control

Abstract Bleaching gel containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) cause damages in pulp tissue. This study investigated the action of a topical anti-inflammatory, the Otosporin®, in rats’ bleached teeth with the null hypothesis of which the Otosporin® is no able to minimize the pulp inflammation that bleaching gel generates. The rat’s molars were divided into groups: BLE: bleached (35% H2O2 concentration /single application of 30 min); BLE-O: bleached followed by Otosporin® (10 min); and control: placebo gel. In the second day after dental bleaching, the rats were killed, and the jaws were processed for hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry analysis for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-17. The data collected were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn statistical tests with at a 5% level of significance (p<0.05). The BLE group had moderate to strong inflammation in the occlusal third of the coronary pulp, with necrotic areas; and BLE-O, mild inflammation (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the occlusal and middle thirds of the coronary pulp between the BLE with BLE-O and control groups (p<0.05). There was no difference in the cervical third (p>0.05). The BLE group had a high immunoexpression of TNF-α than BLE-O and control groups (p<0.05), with moderate and mild immunoexpression, respectively. Regarding IL-6 and IL-17, the BLE group had higher immunoexpression than control (p<0.05); the BLE-O was similar to the control (p>0.05). The topical anti-inflammatory Otosporin® can reduce pulp inflammation after dental bleaching in the rat teeth.

Download Full-text

Home-based tele-rehabilitation presents comparable positive impact on self-reported functional outcomes as usual care: The Singapore Tele-technology Aided Rehabilitation in Stroke randomised trial

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x19868905 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1357633X1986890

Author(s):

Miho Asano ◽

Bee C Tai ◽

Felicity YT Yeo ◽

Shi C Yen ◽

Arthur Tay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Usual Care ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Randomised Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Rehabilitation System ◽

And Control ◽

The Impact

Introduction The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a novel tele-rehabilitation system on self-reported functional outcomes compared to usual care during the first three months after stroke. Methods A parallel, two-arm, evaluator-blinded, randomised controlled trial was conducted. Adults aged ≥40 years who had suffered a stroke within four weeks of the start of the study were recruited from the general community. The intervention group received access to a novel tele-rehabilitation system and programme for three months. The primary outcome measures utilised were the frequency and limitation total scores of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) at three months. Results A total of 124 individuals were recruited. The mean differences in the LLDFI frequency and limitation total scores at three months comparing the intervention and control groups were –3.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) –7.81 to 1.21) and –6.90 (95% CI –15.02 to 1.22), respectively. Adjusting for the respective baseline covariates and baseline Barthel Index also showed no significant difference between interventions in the LLFDI outcomes. Discussion The intervention and control groups self-reported similar improvements in functional outcomes. Tele-rehabilitation may be a viable option to provide post-stroke rehabilitation services in Singapore while reducing barriers to continue rehabilitation conventionally after discharge from hospital and encouraging more participation.

Download Full-text

High prevalence of intrathecal IgA synthesis in multiple sclerosis patients

10.21203/rs.3.rs-892637/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ursula Muñoz ◽

Cristina Sebal ◽

Esther Escudero ◽

Maria Isabel García Sánchez ◽

Elena Urcelay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Neurological Diseases ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Highly Sensitive ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Ultrasensitive Assay ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

And Control

Abstract Introduction: The detection of intrathecal IgA synthesis (IAS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) is cumbersome, for this reason, we developed a highly sensitive assay to assess it in MS. Methods: 151 MS patients and 22 controls with different neurological diseases were recruited. IgA concentration was analyzed by ELISA. Oligoclonal IgA bands to detect IAS were determined by a new ultrasensitive assay based on isoelectrofocusing (IEF). Results: Most individuals showed an IgA concentration within normal range in serum samples (95.95%) but 38.41% of individuals had a low IgA concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with no significant differences observed between MS and control groups, neither in CSF nor in serum. The new IEF was more sensitive than those previously described (0.01 mg/dl of IgA), and clearly identified patients with and without IAS, that was not related with IgA concentration. MS patients showed higher percentage of IAS (43.00%) than the control group (18.20) (p = 0.035), because the incidence was especially higher in MS patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, 66.00%). Conclusions: Intrathecal IgA synthesis is observed more frequently in MS patients than in other neurological diseases, and with higher incidence than assumed in the past.

Download Full-text

The Relationship Between Serum Orexin A, TGF-β, and Leptin Levels with Body Mass Index in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

10.21203/rs.3.rs-746093/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sepideh Moharami ◽

Alireza Nourazarian ◽

Masoud Nikanfar ◽

Delara Laghousi ◽

behrouz shademan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Serum Level ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Control Groups ◽

Orexin A ◽

The Mean ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

And Control ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Backgrounds: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease linked to several inflammatory and dietary parameters. This study was carried out to determine the relationship between serum leptin, orexin-A, and TGF-β levels with BMI in MS patients.Methods and results: In this cross-sectional study, 25 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. The serum level of Leptin, Orexin-A, and TGF- were measured by the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Chi-square test, and Linear regression test. A total of 65 volunteers, including 25 MS patients and 40 healthy, were enrolled in the study. The mean age of individuals in the case and control groups was 38.04 ± 7.53 and 40.23 ± 5.88. There were no statistically significant differences between the case and control groups regarding gender, age, alcohol, and cigarette use (P>0.05). The mean serum levels of Orexin-A and TGF-ß were lower among multiple sclerosis patients than in healthy controls, but leptin was higher (42.8 vs. 18.9 ng/ml, P<0.001). The relationship between BMI and serum levels of Orexin-A, TGF-ß, and Leptin among Multiple Sclerosis patients was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Our results showed that the serum levels of Orexin-A and TGF-β were significantly lower. The serum level of leptin was higher among multiple sclerosis patients than among healthy controls. Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between BMI and serum levels of Orexin-A, TGF-ß, and Leptin among multiple sclerosis patients.

Download Full-text

Genetic Association of MiR-146a with Multiple Sclerosis Susceptibility in the Chinese Population

Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry ◽

10.1159/000369695 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 35 (1) ◽

pp. 281-291 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

You Li ◽

Chen Du ◽

Wei Wang ◽

Guoda Ma ◽

Lili Cui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Chinese Population ◽

Han Chinese Population ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Susceptibility ◽

Potential Association ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

Ifn Γ ◽

And Control

Background: miR-146a polymorphisms have been involved in susceptibility to multiple diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyze the potential association between two functional miR-146a polymorphisms (rs2910164 and rs57095329) and multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Han Chinese population. Methods: A cohort of 525 patients and 568 healthy controls were genotyped to detect the two polymorphisms by SNaPshot. Results: No significant differences were detected in the distribution of the two miR-146a polymorphisms between the patients and controls (P > 0.05). However, stratification by gender showed a statistically significant difference in the frequency of the genotype rs2910164 between MS patients and control females (P=0.009). Further stratification analysis by subgroup revealed that the miR-146a rs2910164 C allele conferred a higher risk of developing relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (P=0.018). In addition, the rs2910164 C allele was significantly associated with increased expression of miR-146a in patients with RRMS (P=0.025). Moreover, patients with the rs2910164 C allele released more TNF-α and IFN-γ, but not IL-1β, compared with individuals carrying the homozygous GG genotype (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results provide evidence that rs2910164 may play a role in MS susceptibility in females. The rs2910164 G>C variation may affect the expression of miR-146a and the release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Download Full-text

The effect of implementing self-management plan on selfconcept of family caregivers of multiple sclerosis patients

Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences ◽

10.34172/jsums.2020.12 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 74-81

Author(s):

Soheila Banitalebi ◽

Shahram Etemadifar ◽

Soleiman Kheiri ◽

Reza Masoudi

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Management Program ◽

Self Concept ◽

Self Management ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

And Control

Background and aims: Caring for patients with multiple sclerosis causes family caregivers many problems and challenges. Self-management interventions can facilitate the caring process and increase the quality of patient care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a self-management program on Self-concept of the family caregivers of multiple sclerosis patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2018 at the MS Treatment Center of Shahrekord. The samples were selected through convenience sampling method. First, participants were assigned to two groups of men and women by stratified random sampling, and then men and women were assigned randomly to intervention (n=35) and control (n=35) groups. For the intervention group, the selfmanagement program was implemented twice a week in 8 sessions. Data collection was performed using the Coopersmith self-concept Inventory in two groups before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Results: The mean scores of self-concept in the intervention and control groups before the intervention were 72.6±9.1 and 72±10.6, respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean score of self-concept between the intervention and control groups before the intervention (P>0.05). The mean scores of self-concept immediately after the intervention in the two groups were 86.4±9.2 and 73±10.6, and three months after the intervention, they were 103±7.4 and 73.9±10.5, respectively. A significant increase in the scores of self-concept in the intervention group (P<0.001) was observed. Moreover, the independent t test showed a significant difference in the two groups immediately after and three months after the intervention (P<0.001). Conclusion: Self-management program increased the self-concept of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients’ caregivers. Therefore, selfmanagement can play a critical role in improving the quality of life of family caregivers and coping with the physical and psychological stress related to their caring role.

Download Full-text

Effect of Self-Care Education Based on Team Members Teaching Design on Self-Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-136124/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Fariba Fakhravari ◽

Ali Dehghani ◽

Mohsen Hojat

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Care Education ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

And Control

Abstract BackgroundMultiple sclerosis diseases threatens independence and self-efficacy for effective participation in family and community. Patients' low self-efficacy affects their ability to cope with problems and stress, depression their level of motivation in difficult situations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-care education by team member teaching on self-efficacy in Multiple sclerosis patients. MethodsIn the randomized controlled trial study, 40 Multiple sclerosis patients from Jahrom MS society were selected by simple random sampling and then were divided into intervention and control groups by random allocation. In the intervention group, 6 training sessions were held twice a week for 60 minutes. Data were collected using Multiple Sclerosis Self-Efficacy Scale before, immediately and one month after intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 and descriptive statistics, chi-square test, repeated measurements and ANOVA at significant level of 0.05.ResultsPatients in intervention and control groups were matched for demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, education, occupation and so on. The mean score of self-efficacy in before, immediately and one month after intervention significantly different showed in intervention group (p = 0.001), whereas these changes were not significant in the control group (0.228). Self-efficacy scores were also significantly different between control and intervention groups at immediately and one month after intervention (p = 0.001).ConclusionBased on the findings, the team training approach provides a simple and safe learning for patients and leads to the improvement of self-efficacy in Multiple sclerosis patients.

Download Full-text

Sexual Function in Iranian Female Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2019.283 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. 1303-1308 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Alireza Alehashemi ◽

Zahra Mostafavian ◽

Najmeh Dareini

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Sexual Function ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Chi Square ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Severity Of Depression ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

And Control

BACKGROUND: One of the typical complaints in females with multiple sclerosis (MS) is Sexual dysfunction (SD). AIM: This study aimed to compare the sexual function of women with and without MS and to recognise factors that possibly related to sexual dysfunction of women with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sexual function of 64 women with MS as a case study group were compared to a group of control comprised of 64 women. Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used accordingly to assess sexual function and severity of depression of case and control groups. Functional status of MS Patients was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The data were analysed using chi-square, independent Samples t, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression tests. RESULTS: There were no differences in the Total FSFI and 4 FSFI subscale scores (i.e. sexual desire, arousal, lubrication and satisfaction) between women with MS and controls. The only significant difference between the two groups was the dimension of orgasm (p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only BDI and FSFI total scores have significantly related (B = -0.436, P < 0.001). In women with MS, a significant negative correlation was found between FSFI and EDSS scores (rho = -0.35, P = 0.032), as well as between FSFI scores and disease duration (rho = -0.25, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Depression was associated to sexual dysfunction in women. It could be advantageous to evaluate and treat depression in women with MS who suffer from sexual dysfunction.

Download Full-text

Self-directed exercise in multiple sclerosis: Evaluation of a home automated tele-management system

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x17702757 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 410-419 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Susan S Conroy ◽

Min Zhan ◽

William J Culpepper ◽

Walter Royal ◽

Mitchell T Wallin

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Management System ◽

Exercise Adherence ◽

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Walking Ability ◽

Control Groups ◽

Home Based ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Multiple Sclerosis Patients ◽

Minute Walk

Introduction Physical rehabilitation is one of the few non-pharmaceutical therapies for maintaining or improving walking ability for patients with multiple sclerosis. However, travel distance to rehabilitation clinics, neurological disability and insurance coverage often limit access to specialised rehabilitation services. To address these issues, we utilised a web-based system to support a home-based self-directed exercise programme. Methods Patients ( n = 24) were randomised to either routine home rehabilitation or to the multiple sclerosis home automated tele-management system for a six-month period. The study group had a mean age of 50.4 years, 56% of patients were male, and 67% had progressive multiple sclerosis with an overall mean Patient Determined Disease Steps score of 4.4 (cane or crutch required for walking). Key outcomes included the timed 25-foot-walk, six-minute-walk and the Berg Balance Scale. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the change of the primary walking outcome measure, timed 25-foot-walk, at six months between the home automated tele-management intervention and control groups ( p = 0.44). Similarly, change scores for the six-minute-walk were not significantly different between the home automated tele-management or control groups at six months. Discussion Maintaining overall gait abilities in this group of predominantly progressive multiple sclerosis patients is notable. Exercise adherence was positively associated with higher multiple sclerosis disability and self-reported walking ability. Study engagement and participation in routine home-based exercise for the entire study period was challenging. Further research using clinical video telerehabilitation techniques that optimise patient involvement warrants further study.

Download Full-text

Effects of Virgin Coconut Oil as Adjunct Therapy in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences ◽

10.24191/jchs.v1i1.5850 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 22

Author(s):

Nazli Zainuddin ◽

Nurul Azira Mohd Shah ◽

Rosdan Salim

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Side Effects ◽

Coconut Oil ◽

Test Group ◽

Nasal Symptom ◽

Control Group ◽

Virgin Coconut Oil ◽

Control Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

And Control

Introduction: The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is controversial. Thus, the aim of the present study is to determine the effects of virgin coconut oil ingestion, in addition to standard medications, on allergic rhinitis. We also studied the side effects of consumption of virgin coconut oil. Methods: Fifty two subjects were equally divided into test and control groups. All subjects received a daily dose of 10mg of loratadine for 28 days. The test group was given 10ml of virgin coconut oil three times a day in addition to loratadine. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis were scored at the beginning and end of the study. Results:, the symptom score were divided into nasal and non-nasal symptom scores. Sneezing score showed a significant difference, however the score was more in control group than test group, indicating that improvement in symptom was more in control group. The rest of the nasal symptom and non-nasal symptom score showed no significant difference between test and control groups. Approximately 58% of the test subjects developed side effects from consumption of virgin coconut oil, mainly gastrointestinal side effects. Conclusion: In the present study, ingestion of virgin coconut oil does not improve the overall and individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis, furthermore it has side effects.

Download Full-text