MicroRNAs, Multiple Sclerosis and Depression

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.

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Depression and Inflammatory Markers in Veterans With Multiple Sclerosis

Biological Research For Nursing ◽

10.1177/10998004211050082 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 109980042110500

Author(s):

Pamela Newland ◽

Yelyzaveta Basan ◽

Ling Chen ◽

Gregory Wu

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Inflammatory Markers ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

The United States ◽

Biological Mechanisms ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

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.

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Reduced neurite density in the brain and cervical spinal cord in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis: A NODDI study

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458519885107 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (13) ◽

pp. 1647-1657 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sara Collorone ◽

Niamh Cawley ◽

Francesco Grussu ◽

Ferran Prados ◽

Francesca Tona ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Spinal Cord ◽

Cervical Spinal Cord ◽

Cognitive Disability ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neurite Density ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects both brain and spinal cord. However, studies of the neuraxis with advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are rare because of long acquisition times. We investigated neurodegeneration in MS brain and cervical spinal cord using neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate possible alterations, and their clinical relevance, in neurite morphology along the brain and cervical spinal cord of relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients. Methods: In total, 28 RRMS patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs) underwent brain and spinal cord NODDI at 3T. Physical and cognitive disability was assessed. Individual maps of orientation dispersion index (ODI) and neurite density index (NDI) in brain and spinal cord were obtained. We examined differences in NODDI measures between groups and the relationships between NODDI metrics and clinical scores using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex and brain tissue volumes or cord cross-sectional area (CSA). Results: Patients showed lower NDI in the brain normal-appearing white matter (WM) and spinal cord WM than HCs. In patients, a lower NDI in the spinal cord WM was associated with higher disability. Conclusion: Reduced neurite density occurs in the neuraxis but, especially when affecting the spinal cord, it may represent a mechanism of disability in MS.

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Alterations of Gut Microbiota and the Brain-Immune-Intestine Axis in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis After Treatment With Oral Cladribine: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.16162 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jeske van Pamelen ◽

Lynn van Olst ◽

Andries E Budding ◽

Helga E de Vries ◽

Leo H Visser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Oral Microbiota ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

The Moment ◽

Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽

The Brain

BACKGROUND Immunological factors are the key to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Conjointly, environmental factors are known to affect MS disease onset and progression. Several studies have found that the intestinal microbiota in MS patients differs from that of control subjects. One study found a trend toward lower species richness in patients with active disease versus in patients in remission. The microbiota plays an important role in shaping the immune system. Recent studies suggest the presence of an association between the gut microbiota and inflammatory pathways in the central nervous system. However, the function of this brain-immune-intestine axis and its possible value for predicting treatment effect in MS patients is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE Our goal is to examine if the changes in gut and oral microbiota and simultaneous changes in the immune response are a predictor for the treatment response in subjects with active relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who are being treated with oral cladribine. METHODS This is a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Eligible subjects are patients with RRMS, between the ages of 18 and 55 years, who will start treatment with oral cladribine. Patients who used probiotics 1 month prior to the start of oral cladribine will be excluded. At baseline (ie, before start) and after 3, 12, and 24 months, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score will be assessed and fecal, oral, and blood samples will be collected. Also, subjects will be asked to register their food intake for 7 consecutive days following the visits. After 24 months, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the brain will be performed. Responders are defined as subjects without relapses, without progression on the EDSS, and without radiological progression on MRI. RESULTS Inclusion started in January 2019. A total of 30 patients are included at the moment. The aim is to include 80 patients from 10 participating centers during a period of approximately 24 months. Final results are expected in 2024. CONCLUSIONS The results of the BIA Study will contribute to precision medicine in patients with RRMS and will contribute to a better understanding of the brain-immune-intestine axis. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/16162

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Management of Multiple Sclerosis in the Breastfeeding Mother

Multiple Sclerosis International ◽

10.1155/2016/6527458 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Saneea Almas ◽

Jesse Vance ◽

Teresa Baker ◽

Thomas Hale

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Neurological Disease ◽

Interferon Beta ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Symptomatic Treatment ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

Acute Attacks ◽

Brain And Spinal Cord ◽

The Brain

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurological disease characterized by inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Relapsing-Remitting MS is characterized by acute attacks followed by remission. Treatment is aimed at halting these attacks; therapy may last for months to years. Because MS disproportionately affects females and commonly begins during the childbearing years, clinicians treat pregnant or nursing MS patients. The intent of this review is to perform an in-depth analysis into the safety of drugs used in breastfeeding women with MS. This paper is composed of several drugs used in the treatment of MS and current research regarding their safety in breastfeeding including immunomodulators, immunosuppressants, monoclonal antibodies, corticosteroids, and drugs used for symptomatic treatment. Typically, some medications are large polar molecules which often do not pass into the milk in clinically relevant amounts. For this reason, interferon beta is likely safe for the infant when given to a breastfeeding mother. However, other drugs with particularly dangerous side effects may not be recommended. While treatment options are available and some data from clinical studies does exist, there continues to be a need for investigation and ongoing review of the medications used in breastfeeding mothers.

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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.

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Alterations of Gut Microbiota and the Brain-Immune-Intestine Axis in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis After Treatment With Oral Cladribine: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/16162 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e16162

Author(s):

Jeske van Pamelen ◽

Lynn van Olst ◽

Andries E Budding ◽

Helga E de Vries ◽

Leo H Visser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Disease Onset ◽

Oral Microbiota ◽

Relapsing Remitting ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

The Moment ◽

Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis ◽

The Brain

Background Immunological factors are the key to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Conjointly, environmental factors are known to affect MS disease onset and progression. Several studies have found that the intestinal microbiota in MS patients differs from that of control subjects. One study found a trend toward lower species richness in patients with active disease versus in patients in remission. The microbiota plays an important role in shaping the immune system. Recent studies suggest the presence of an association between the gut microbiota and inflammatory pathways in the central nervous system. However, the function of this brain-immune-intestine axis and its possible value for predicting treatment effect in MS patients is currently unknown. Objective Our goal is to examine if the changes in gut and oral microbiota and simultaneous changes in the immune response are a predictor for the treatment response in subjects with active relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) who are being treated with oral cladribine. Methods This is a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Eligible subjects are patients with RRMS, between the ages of 18 and 55 years, who will start treatment with oral cladribine. Patients who used probiotics 1 month prior to the start of oral cladribine will be excluded. At baseline (ie, before start) and after 3, 12, and 24 months, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score will be assessed and fecal, oral, and blood samples will be collected. Also, subjects will be asked to register their food intake for 7 consecutive days following the visits. After 24 months, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the brain will be performed. Responders are defined as subjects without relapses, without progression on the EDSS, and without radiological progression on MRI. Results Inclusion started in January 2019. A total of 30 patients are included at the moment. The aim is to include 80 patients from 10 participating centers during a period of approximately 24 months. Final results are expected in 2024. Conclusions The results of the BIA Study will contribute to precision medicine in patients with RRMS and will contribute to a better understanding of the brain-immune-intestine axis. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/16162

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