Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
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Recent Advances Made in MS Research
Many advances, on several fronts, have been made in the war against Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Each advance interacts with the others, adding greater depth and meaning to each new discovery. Four areas, in particular, stand out.
Over the last decade, our knowledge about how the immune system works has grown at an amazing rate. Major gains have been made in recognizing and defining the role of this system in the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) lesions, giving scientists the ability to devise ways to alter the immune response. Such work is expected to yield a variety of new potential therapies that may ameliorate Multiple Sclerosis (MS) without harmful side effects.
New tools such as MRI have redefined the natural history of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and are proving invaluable in monitoring disease activity. Scientists are now able to visualize and follow the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) lesions in the brain and spinal cord using MRI - this ability is a tremendous aid in the assessment of new therapies and can speed the process of evaluating new treatments.
Other tools have been developed that make the painstaking work of teasing out the disease's genetic secrets possible. Such studies have strengthened scientists' conviction that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease with many genetic components, none of which is dominant. Immune system related genetic factors that predispose an individual to the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have been identified, and may lead to new ways to treat or prevent the disease.
In fact, a treatment that may actually slow the course of the disease has been found and a growing number of therapies are now available that effectively treat some Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms. In addition, there are a number of treatments under investigation that may curtail attacks or improve function of demyelinated nerve fibers. Over a dozen clinical trials testing potential therapies are under way, and additional new treatments are being devised and tested in animal models.
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References:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
National Institutes of Health
January 23, 2008
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm
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