scholarly journals Inner nuclear layer and olfactory threshold are interlinked and reflect inflammatory activity in multiple sclerosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 205521732094573
Author(s):  
Gabriel Bsteh ◽  
Harald Hegen ◽  
Patrick Altmann ◽  
Klaus Berek ◽  
Michael Auer ◽  
...  

Background Retinal inner nuclear layer (INL) and olfactory threshold (OT) are associated with inflammatory activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective The study aims to investigate (a) whether there is an association of INL and OT in MS and (b) if changes in INL and OT follow a time pattern in relation to MS relapse. Methods We assessed INL by optical coherence tomography and OT by Sniffin’ Sticks in three different cohorts: a cross-sectional MS cohort ( n = 260), a longitudinal, 3-year cohort of MS ( n = 141) and healthy controls ( n = 30), and a longitudinal, 24-weeks cohort with acute MS relapse ( n = 28) and stable MS controls ( n = 27). Results Cross-sectionally, INL and OT were strongly correlated with number but not localization of relapse in the previous 12 months and INL correlated with OT. Longitudinally, INL was thicker and OT score was lower short term in times of relapse activity, but not long term and independent of relapse localization. In acute MS relapse, INL and OT were altered compared with stable MS, again, independent of relapse localization resolving over 12–24 weeks with faster approximation to stable MS after escalation of disease-modifying treatment. Conclusions INL and OT are interlinked markers of short-term inflammatory activity, following a nearly congruent time pattern and independent of relapse localization, possibly reflecting a proinflammatory state within the central nervous system.

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Bsteh ◽  
Klaus Berek ◽  
Harald Hegen ◽  
Barbara Teuchner ◽  
Michael Auer ◽  
...  

Background: Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and olfactory function are both emerging biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS). Impairment of odor identification and discrimination is an irreversible feature of more advanced MS suggested to be associated with neurodegeneration, while olfactory threshold is a transient feature of early, active MS possibly associated with short-term inflammatory disease activity. Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the association of olfactory (dys)function and parameters of MS disease course in a large cohort of MS patients and to correlate olfactory function with pRNFL thickness as a surrogate biomarker of neurodegeneration. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, olfactory function was assessed using the Sniffin’ Sticks test, which quantifies three different qualities of olfactory function (threshold, discrimination, and identification). pRNFL thickness was measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results were correlated with age, sex, disease duration, relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), cognitive function, depression, smoking, and pRNFL thickness by multivariable linear regression models. Results: We included 260 MS patients (mean age of 35.9 years, 68.7% female). Olfactory threshold correlated significantly with number of relapses in the year prior to assessment and shorter disease duration. Odor discrimination, identification, and their sum score were significantly correlated with longer disease duration, higher EDSS, and reduced cognitive function. pRNFL thickness was associated with identification and discrimination, but not with threshold. Conclusion: Olfactory threshold is a marker of short-term inflammatory relapse activity unrelated to parameters of neurodegeneration, while odor identification and discrimination are markers of neurodegeneration mostly independent of relapse activity. Assessment of olfactory function provides an opportunity to stratify MS patients with regard to inflammation and neurodegeneration.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
Justyna Wiśniowska ◽  
◽  
Kamilla Puławska ◽  

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms seen in patients with multiple sclerosis. Cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy can be a non-pharmacological approach for these patients. Van Kessel and Moss-Morris developed a cognitive-behavioural model to explain multiple sclerosis-related fatigue (2006). According to this model, inflammatory and demyelinating factors present in the central nervous system trigger fatigue, while cognitive interpretation, anxiety, or depressive symptoms and resting lifestyle are maintaining factors. Based on the cognitive-behavioural model of fatigue in multiple sclerosis, a protocol encompassing 8 treatment sessions was developed. For over 10 years, studies have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in the treatment of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. The so far obtained results show that cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy has a moderate short-term effect on reducing fatigue, while the effect size in the long-term is small. The obtained results were undoubtedly influenced by several factors: the heterogeneity of the procedures used, the size of the research groups, and the large number of disease-related intermediary variables. Further research should be conducted to identify specific factors responsible for the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy in the treatment of fatigue and to assess the long-term effects of therapy.


2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 964-969 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Lutterotti ◽  
M Vedovello ◽  
M Reindl ◽  
R Ehling ◽  
F DiPauli ◽  
...  

Background: Olfactory dysfunction has been reported in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, to date no data are available on different qualities of olfactory function, namely odour identification, odour discrimination and odour perception threshold. Objective: To assess different qualities of olfactory function in patients with MS and correlate these with demographic data, clinical data, depression, quality of life and cognitive functions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 patients with MS or clinically isolated syndrome and 30 healthy controls were included. Olfactory function was measured using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. Results: The scores for odour identification ( p = 0.001), odour perception threshold ( p = 0.037) and the combined score of odour identification, discrimination and perception threshold (TDI, p = 0.002) were significantly lower in MS. Hyposmia for identification ( p = 0.0017), threshold ( p = 0.017) and TDI score ( p = 0.0014) was more frequent in MS. Olfactory threshold was impaired in patients who were clinically active in the previous year ( p = 0.026) and in patients with a disease duration less than 2 years ( p = 0.0093). Identification score was negatively correlated with disease duration ( p = 0.0017). Olfactory function was not associated with disability, depression or quality of life. Conclusions: We report evidence for qualitatively distinct hyposmia in MS, with increased smell threshold in the early inflammatory phases of the disease and impaired identification with a more widespread chronic disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Amir Moghaddamahmadi ◽  
Pouria Yazdian-Anari ◽  
Siamak Kazemisufi ◽  
Alireza Vakilian ◽  
Aliasghar Ranjbartotoei ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that causes motor and sensory impairment and physical disability in patients. This study was conducted to determine the demographic, clinical, and beyond clinical characteristics in patients with multiple sclerosis to help identify common disabilities and better understand of the specific needs of these ones.Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 MS patients in Rafsanjan, Iran. A definitive diagnosis has been done according to neurologist and McDonald criteria. The neurologist conducted examinations. The demographic data were recorded using questionnaire. MRI images were analyzed with the help of radiologist and all data were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: The mean age was 33.81±8.38 years and male/female ratio was 7/42. According to data, 66.7% of the patients were suffering from relapsing-remitting type (RR) disease, and most lesions on MRI in these patients were observed in pyramidal and JuxtaCortical areas. The mean EDSS scores of patients was 1.46. The duration of disease and the number of attacks had a significant correlation with educational level (P<0.05); age was significantly associated with pyramidal, mental and sphincter symptoms (P<0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that the prevalence of MS in women is higher than in men, especially among housekeeper women. Relapsing and remitting disease showed higher frequency.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Naughton ◽  
Jill Moffat ◽  
George Eleftheriadis ◽  
Nira de la Vega Gallardo ◽  
Andrew Young ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that damages myelin in the central nervous system (CNS). We investigated the profile of CCN3, a known regulator of immune function and a potential mediator of myelin regeneration, in multiple sclerosis in the context of disease state and disease-modifying treatment. Methods CCN3 expression was analysed in plasma, immune cells, CSF and brain tissue of MS patient groups and control subjects by ELISA, western blot, qPCR, histology and in situ hybridization. Results Plasma CCN3 levels were comparable between collective MS cohorts and controls but were significantly higher in progressive versus relapsing-remitting MS and between patients on interferon-β versus natalizumab. Higher body mass index was associated with higher CCN3 levels in controls as reported previously, but this correlation was absent in MS patients. A significant positive correlation was found between CCN3 levels in matched plasma and CSF of MS patients which was absent in a comparator group of idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients. PBMCs and CD4+ T cells significantly upregulated CCN3 mRNA in MS patients versus controls. In the CNS, CCN3 was detected in neurons, astrocytes and blood vessels. Although overall levels of area immunoreactivity were comparable between non-affected, demyelinated and remyelinated tissue, the profile of expression varied dramatically. Conclusions This investigation provides the first comprehensive profile of CCN3 expression in MS and provides rationale to determine if CCN3 contributes to neuroimmunological functions in the CNS.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grazyna Galazka ◽  
Marcin P Mycko ◽  
Igor Selmaj ◽  
Cedric S Raine ◽  
Krzysztof W Selmaj

Background: Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that provide cell-to-cell communication and are involved in immunoregulation. Objective: To investigate serum exosomes for the presence of myelin proteins outside the central nervous system (CNS) and their role in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected from 45 patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), 30 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and 45 healthy controls. Exosomes were isolated using a polymer formulation method, and their size, concentration, and CNS myelin protein contents were measured by a nanoparticle tracking analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and Western blot. Results: We found that exosomes expressed three major myelin proteins, myelin basic protein, proteolipid protein, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Exosomal content of MOG strongly correlated with disease activity and was highest in RRMS patients in relapse and in SPMS patients. Serum-derived exosomes induced proliferation of MOG-T cell receptor transgenic T cells confirming that serum exosomes maintained MOG immunogenicity. Conclusion: Exosomes isolated outside CNS tissue expressed myelin proteins, and the presence of MOG correlated strongly with disease activity. We conclude that exosomes might enhance and/or perpetuate anti-myelin immune reactions in MS and may provide novel markers of disease activity.


Author(s):  
Omid Mirmosayyeb ◽  
Mahdi Barzegar ◽  
Nasim Nehzat ◽  
Soroush Najdaghi ◽  
Behnaz Ansari ◽  
...  

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune inflammatory disease in the central nervous system (CNS) without exact pathology. Environmental factors such as infections have a causal or protective role in MS. Helicobacter pylori (HP) is one of the infections in digestive diseases and previous studies reported controversial findings of this infection role in MS. So, we conducted this study to assess the frequency of HP infection in patients with MS in comparison to the healthy population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken between 2015 and 2019. 191 participants including 58 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), 57 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 39 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and 39 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were tested for the presence of HP immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies (Abs) in their serum sample. Results: The frequency of HP IgG seropositivity in patients with SPMS was significantly higher than patients with CIS [Odds ratio (OR): 6.333, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.522-15.906, P < 0.001], patients with RRMS (OR: 4.583, 95% CI: 1.842-11.407,  P = 0.001), and HCs (OR: 8.485, 95% CI: 3.058-23.540,  P < 0.001). We did not find a significant difference among other study groups regarding IgG seropositivity. No significant difference among groups regarding HP IgM seropositivity was evident. On univariate model, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (OR: 1.038, 95% CI: 1.038-1.460, P = 0.017) and SPMS (OR: 4.583, 95% CI: 1.842-11.407, P = 0.001) were predictor for HP IgG seropositivity. On multivariate model, only SPMS had higher risk for HP IgG seropositivity compared to RRMS (OR: 5.554, 95% CI: 1.327-23.253, P = 0.019). We did not find a significant association between clinical and demographic variables with HP IgM seropositivity. Conclusion: Based on our findings, progressive MS and HP infection may have association. Further longitudinal studies with large sample size are needed to determine the role of HP infection in MS.


Author(s):  
Aikaterini Papa ◽  
Ioannis Koutelekos ◽  
Spyridoula Stefanidou ◽  
Chrysa Chrysovitsanou ◽  
Maria Polikandrioti

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which is related with unpredictable course and increasing disability. Social support as an available interpersonal resource may help patients with MS. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate perceived social support in patients with MS as well as the associated factors. Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional study included 200 patients with MS. Data collection was performed by the completion of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and a questionnaire which included patients' characteristics. Results: Patients reported to perceive high support from significant others and their family (median: 24.0 and 23.5, respectively) and less from their friends (median: 20). Moreover, a statistically significant association was found between social support from significant others and marital status (P = 0.010), modification of daily activities (P = 0.018), difficulties with social and family environment (P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively), frequent urination (P = 0.015), and whether they easily forgot (P = 0.049), characterized themselves as anxious (P = 0.049), and believed in God (P = 0.002). Also, a statistically significant association was fond between social support from family and relation with health professionals (P = 0.041), difficulties with social and family environment (P = 0.003 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively), and whether they considered themselves as anxious (P = 0.050), and they believed in God (P ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was found between support from friends and modification of daily activities (P = 0.010), help in daily activities (P = 0.016), need for movement assistance (P = 0.001), difficulties with social and family environment (P ≤ 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively), and whether they considered themselves anxious (P = 0.046). Conclusion: Factors associated with perceived social support should be evaluated when planning holistic care to patients with MS.


Author(s):  
Ana Railka de Souza Oliveira-Kumakura ◽  
Larissa Maria Bezutti ◽  
Juliany Lino Gomes Silva ◽  
Renata Cristina Gasparino

Objective: describe the self-care and functionality levels of patients with multiple sclerosis and determine whether sociodemographic, clinical and functional variables interfere with self-care and/or functionality. Method: correlational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach performed with individuals in outpatient follow-up. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data and applied the Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale, the Barthel index, the Lawtton and Brody Scale, and the instrument to investigate the performance in Advanced Activities of Daily Living. We performed descriptive and inferential analysis. Results: most patients were classified as “having self-care” (82.14%); with moderate dependence (51.19%) for the basic activities of daily living, partial dependence for the instrumental activities of daily living (55.95%), and more active for the advanced activities of daily living (85.71%). Patients with longer disease duration had a higher number of disabilities and, in those with better socioeconomic and educational profile, the functionality was better. Conclusion: disease duration was strongly correlated with a higher number of disabilities and better socioeconomic and educational profiles showed to be protective factors for functionality. Care planning should consider the needs observed by the multidisciplinary team, stimulating the development of self-care, functionality and sociability.


2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (7) ◽  
pp. 1289-1317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte G. H. M. de Jong ◽  
Hans-Joachim Gabius ◽  
Wia Baron

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system with unknown etiology. Currently approved disease-modifying treatment modalities are immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive. While the applied drugs reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks, their efficacy to regenerate myelin membranes and to halt disease progression is limited. To achieve such therapeutic aims, understanding biological mechanisms of remyelination and identifying factors that interfere with remyelination in MS can give respective directions. Such a perspective is given by the emerging functional profile of galectins. They form a family of tissue lectins, which are potent effectors in processes as diverse as adhesion, apoptosis, immune mediator release or migration. This review focuses on endogenous and exogenous roles of galectins in glial cells such as oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia in the context of de- and (re)myelination and its dysregulation in MS. Evidence is arising for a cooperation among family members so that timed expression and/or secretion of galectins-1, -3 and -4 result in modifying developmental myelination, (neuro)inflammatory processes, de- and remyelination. Dissecting the mechanisms that underlie the distinct activities of galectins and identifying galectins as target or tool to modulate remyelination have the potential to contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for MS.


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