Depression and Inflammatory Markers in Veterans With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), afflicts over one per thousand people in the United States. The pathology of MS typically involves lesions in several regions, including the brain and spinal cord. The manifestation of MS is variable and carries great potential to negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Evidence that inflammatory markers are related to depression in MS is accumulating. However, there are barriers in precisely identifying the biological mechanisms underlying depression and inflammation. Analysis of cytokines provides one promising approach for understanding the mechanisms that may contribute to MS symptoms. Methods: In this pilot study, we measured salivary levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta (β), and IL-10 in 24 veterans with MS. Descriptive statistics were reported and Pearson correlation coefficients were obtained between cytokines and depression. Results: The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly negatively associated with depression in veterans with MS (r = −0.47, p = .024). Conclusion: Cytokines may be useful for elucidating biological mechanisms associated with the depression and a measure for nurses caring for veterans with MS.

Download Full-text

MicroRNAs, Multiple Sclerosis and Depression

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22157802 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (15) ◽

pp. 7802

Author(s):

Hsiuying Wang

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Nitrosative Stress ◽

Mirna Regulation ◽

Oxidative And Nitrosative Stress ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Patients Experience ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. There are several disease courses in MS including relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). Up to 50% of MS patients experience depressive disorders. Major depression (MD) is a serious comorbidity of MS. Many dysfunctions including neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, gut dysbiosis, chronic oxidative and nitrosative stress, and neuroendocrine and mitochondrial abnormalities may contribute to the comorbidity between MS and MD. In addition to these actions, medical treatment and microRNA (miRNA) regulation may also be involved in the mechanisms of the comorbidity between MS and MD. In the study, I review many common miRNA biomarkers for both diseases. These common miRNA biomarkers may help further explore the association between MS and MD.

Download Full-text

Use of monoclonal antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis in the practice of a neurologist

Medical Council ◽

10.21518/2079-701x-2020-2-69-75 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 69-75

Author(s):

N. Yu. Lashch

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Monoclonal Antibodies ◽

First Line ◽

System Reconstruction ◽

Progression Of Disease ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Antibody Preparations ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

Multiple sclerosis (MS) ranks first for prevalence among diseases affecting the CNS white matter with 2.5 million cases estimated globally. InRussia, the number of cases is about 200 thousand. MS in most cases has a wavy course (periods of exacerbations and remissions), over time the progression of disease worses the quality of life of patients. The “gold standard” at the beginning of MS is first-line drugs disease-modifying therapies (DMT). If they are ineffective, it is necessary to strengthen the effect on the immune processes and the patient is prescribed second-line drugs (escalation of therapy). There is a method of induction therapy, when high activity of MS is recommended to start with drugs that have a strong immunosuppressive effect with a possible subsequent transition to soft supportive treatment. In patients with frequent exacerbations and signs of radiological activity of the disease, according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord, monoclonal antibody preparations are effectively used. Except of escalation and induction, it is also used the method of immune system reconstruction, which leads to a decrease in autoagression in MS. This article discusses a clinical case of using a drug of monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind to CD 52 on the surface of lymphocytes. The issues of efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab therapy in patients with MS are considered.

Download Full-text

A Survey of Assistive Technologies for Assessment and Rehabilitation of Motor Impairments in Multiple Sclerosis

Multimodal Technologies and Interaction ◽

10.3390/mti3010006 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 6 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Akilesh Rajavenkatanarayanan ◽

Varun Kanal ◽

Konstantinos Tsiakas ◽

Diane Calderon ◽

Michalis Papakostas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Assistive Technologies ◽

Daily Activities ◽

Common Symptom ◽

Motor Impairments ◽

Survey Article ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Fatigue Detection ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. Although this condition cannot be cured, proper treatment of persons with MS (PwMS) can help control and manage the relapses of several symptoms. In this survey article, we focus on the different technologies used for the assessment and rehabilitation of motor impairments for PwMS. We discuss sensor-based and robot-based solutions for monitoring, assessment and rehabilitation. Among MS symptoms, fatigue is one of the most disabling features, since PwMS may need to put significantly more intense effort toward achieving simple everyday tasks. While fatigue is a common symptom across several neurological chronic diseases, it remains poorly understood for various reasons, including subjectivity and variability among individuals. To this end, we also investigate recent methods for fatigue detection and monitoring. The result of this survey will provide both clinicians and researchers with valuable information on assessment and rehabilitation technologies for PwMS, as well as providing insights regarding fatigue and its effect on performance in daily activities for PwMS.

Download Full-text

Monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: from clinical research to practical application

Medical Council ◽

10.21518/2079-701x-2020-8-88-94 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 88-94

Author(s):

N. Yu. Lashch

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Monoclonal Antibody ◽

Humanized Monoclonal Antibody ◽

Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity ◽

Dependent Cell ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Antibody Preparations ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease with a multifactorial etiology of development. MS in most cases has a wave-like course (periods of exacerbations and remissions), over time, the disease becomes progressive, which worsens the quality of life of patients. The drugs disease-modifying therapies (DMT) has been actively used in clinical practice for more than 30 years to prevent exacerbations and progression of MS. In patients with MS, in which the disease occurs with frequent exacerbations and signs of radiological activity of the demyelinating process, according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord, it is recommended to use monoclonal antibody preparations. The only drug registered for the treatment of primary progressive MS is ocrelizumab. In addition, ocrelizumab is indicated for patients with remitting and secondary progressive MS. Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively depletes a population of CD20+ B cells. The article presents data from clinical studies of OPERA I and OPERA II and describes a clinical case from the practice of a neurologist. Depletion of the B cell population is achieved by several mechanisms, including antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis, antibody-dependent T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction. The issues of efficacy and safety of ocrelizumab therapy in patients with MS are considered.

Download Full-text

Signal quality as Achilles’ heel of graph theory in functional magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-86792-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Johan Baijot ◽

Stijn Denissen ◽

Lars Costers ◽

Jeroen Gielen ◽

Melissa Cambron ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Signal To Noise Ratio ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Signal Quality ◽

Network Parameters ◽

Fmri Signal ◽

Noise Ratio ◽

Global And Local ◽

The Brain ◽

Local Brain

AbstractGraph-theoretical analysis is a novel tool to understand the organisation of the brain.We assessed whether altered graph theoretical parameters, as observed in multiple sclerosis (MS), reflect pathology-induced restructuring of the brain's functioning or result from a reduced signal quality in functional MRI (fMRI). In a cohort of 49 people with MS and a matched group of 25 healthy subjects (HS), we performed a cognitive evaluation and acquired fMRI. From the fMRI measurement, Pearson correlation-based networks were calculated and graph theoretical parameters reflecting global and local brain organisation were obtained. Additionally, we assessed metrics of scanning quality (signal to noise ratio (SNR)) and fMRI signal quality (temporal SNR and contrast to noise ratio (CNR)). In accordance with the literature, we found that the network parameters were altered in MS compared to HS. However, no significant link was found with cognition. Scanning quality (SNR) did not differ between both cohorts. In contrast, measures of fMRI signal quality were significantly different and explained the observed differences in GTA parameters. Our results suggest that differences in network parameters between MS and HS in fMRI do not reflect a functional reorganisation of the brain, but rather occur due to reduced fMRI signal quality.

Download Full-text

The Potential Preventive Effect of Pregnancy and Breastfeeding on Multiple Sclerosis

European Neurology ◽

10.1159/000514432 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 84 (2) ◽

pp. 71-84

Author(s):

Mohsen Ali Alhomoud ◽

Abdul Sattar Khan ◽

Iftetah Alhomoud

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Neurological Disease ◽

Literature Search ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Obstetric Outcomes ◽

Preventive Effect ◽

Third Trimester ◽

The Third ◽

The Central Nervous System

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating chronic neurological disease that affects the central nervous system of young adults and their quality of life. Several studies have investigated the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS. However, the evidence regarding the influence of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS is still accumulating. This review aimed to summarize the current evidence regarding the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on MS. Summary: A systematic electronic literature search of the PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to determine relevant published articles. The eligible studies were summarized and evaluated in tables. Key Messages: The majority of the studies indicated that pregnancy appears to lower the rate of MS relapses, particularly in the third trimester. The evidence regarding the effect of breastfeeding on MS remains inconsistent. Despite reports of negative obstetric outcomes in some pregnant women with MS, pregnancies in women with MS should not be categorized as high-risk pregnancies.

Download Full-text

Comparisons of neuroinflammation, microglial activation, and degeneration of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system in APP/PS1 and aging mice

Journal of Neuroinflammation ◽

10.1186/s12974-020-02054-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Song Cao ◽

Daniel W. Fisher ◽

Guadalupe Rodriguez ◽

Tian Yu ◽

Hongxin Dong

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Locus Coeruleus ◽

Microglial Activation ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Cell Types ◽

Norepinephrine System ◽

Protective Processes ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

Abstract Background The role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis is becoming increasingly important, as activation of these cell types likely contributes to both pathological and protective processes associated with all phases of the disease. During early AD pathogenesis, one of the first areas of degeneration is the locus coeruleus (LC), which provides broad innervation of the central nervous system and facilitates norepinephrine (NE) transmission. Though the LC-NE is likely to influence microglial dynamics, it is unclear how these systems change with AD compared to otherwise healthy aging. Methods In this study, we evaluated the dynamic changes of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the LC-NE system in the brain and spinal cord of APP/PS1 mice and aged WT mice using immunofluorescence and ELISA. Results Our results demonstrated increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation observed in the cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord of APP/PS1 compared to WT mice. LC-NE neuron and fiber loss as well as reduced norepinephrine transporter (NET) expression was more evident in APP/PS1 mice, although NE levels were similar between 12-month-old APP/PS1 and WT mice. Notably, the degree of microglial activation, LC-NE nerve fiber loss, and NET reduction in the brain and spinal cord were more severe in 12-month-old APP/PS1 compared to 12- and 24-month-old WT mice. Conclusion These results suggest that elevated neuroinflammation and microglial activation in the brain and spinal cord of APP/PS1 mice correlate with significant degeneration of the LC-NE system.

Download Full-text

Intake of Anti-Epileptic Drugs and their Influences on Sexual Dysfunctions

Pakistan BioMedical Journal ◽

10.52229/pbmj.v3i2.15 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Roheela Yasmeen ◽

Nida Mobeen ◽

Muhammad Amjad Khan ◽

Irfan Aslam ◽

Samia Chaudhry

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Sexual Dysfunction ◽

Neurological Disorders ◽

Penile Erection ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

The Brain ◽

Psychiatric Problems

Epilepsy which is also called seizures disorder is an uncontrolled action of the central nervous system. Itis not a single disease but a set of neurological disorders. Actually in this situation, the brain does notreceive a precise signal and as a result an abnormal condition is produced that is usually involuntary inaction. In this review, we aimed to focus on the relationship of anti-epileptic drugs with sexual dysfunctionand adaptation of better remedies that improve a patient’s family life. Sexual dysfunction is a commoncomorbidity in people with epilepsy which badly affects their quality of life. Sexual dysfunction is causedby different factors like psychiatric problems, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and social factors etc. Sexualdysfunctions include ejaculatory failure, lessen libido, penile erection in men and irregular menstrual cyclein women. Common drugs such as Topiramate, Gabapentin (GBP), Valproate (VA), Carbamazepine (CBZ),Olanzapine (OL) and Risperidone (RTG) that are in practice to treat epilepsy usually produced adverseeffect on sexual dysfunction. Even though a lot of studies have been carried out to control sexualdysfunction in epilepsy’s patient, but still research is going on. Medicine such as Cyproheptadine,Mianserin, Buspirone, Yohimbine were found better to treat epilepsy with minimum side effects of sexualdysfunction. Moreover, it is also seen that certain vasodilators, folate , and vitamin supplements areeffective in improving the quality of life.

Download Full-text

Correlations Between Clinical Trial Outcomes Based on Symptoms, Functional Impairments, and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents With ADHD

Journal of Attention Disorders ◽

10.1177/1087054717723984 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (13) ◽

pp. 1578-1591 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

David R. Coghill ◽

Alain Joseph ◽

Vanja Sikirica ◽

Mark Kosinski ◽

Caleb Bliss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Parent Report ◽

Functional Impairments ◽

Risk Avoidance

Objective: To assess relationships between treatment-associated changes in measures of ADHD symptoms, functional impairments, and health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with ADHD. Method: Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated post hoc for changes from baseline to endpoint in outcomes of one randomized, placebo- and active-controlled trial of lisdexamfetamine (osmotic-release methylphenidate reference) and one of guanfacine extended-release (atomoxetine reference). Results: Changes in ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV) total score generally correlated moderately with changes in Child Health and Illness Profile−Child Edition: Parent Report Form (CHIP-CE:PRF) Achievement and Risk Avoidance ( r ≈ .4), but weakly with Resilience, Satisfaction, and Comfort ( r ≈ .2); and moderately with Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale–Parent (WFIRS-P) total score ( r ≈ .5). CHIP-CE:PRF Achievement and Risk Avoidance correlated moderately to strongly with WFIRS-P total score ( r ≈ .6). Conclusion: The ADHD-RS-IV, CHIP-CE:PRF, and WFIRS-P capture distinct but interconnected aspects of treatment response in individuals with ADHD.

Download Full-text

Shared Symptoms and Putative Biological Mechanisms in Chronic Liver Disease

Biological Research For Nursing ◽

10.1177/1099800414541541 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 222-229 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Victoria Menzies ◽

Nancy Jallo ◽

Patricia Kinser ◽

Jo Lynne W. Robins ◽

Kyungeh An ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Liver Disease ◽

Chronic Liver Disease ◽

Symptom Management ◽

Patient Population ◽

The United States ◽

Chronic Liver ◽

Biological Mechanisms ◽

Management Interventions

Liver disease affects over 25 million people in the United States and, despite advances in medical management resulting in increased survival, a majority of these individuals report multiple co-occurring symptoms that severely impair functioning and quality of life. The purpose of this review is to (1) propose defining these co-occurring symptoms as a symptom cluster of chronic liver disease (CLD), (2) discuss putative underlying biological mechanisms related to CLD, including the liver–gut–brain axis and influence of the microbiome, and (3) discuss the implications for biobehavioral research in this patient population. Biobehavioral research focusing on the interrelated, and possibly synergistic, mechanisms of these symptoms may lead to the development and testing of targeted symptom management interventions for improving function and quality of life in this growing patient population.

Download Full-text