2009: Year of Research Breakthroughs in Multiple Sclerosis

2009 was an amazing year for research into the cause of and treatment for multiple sclerosis.

In January, researchers from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine announced that the neurological dysfunction of early-stage multiple sclerosis patients appeared to be reversed by transplanting the patient’s own immune stem cells into their bodies and resetting their immune systems.

“This is the first time we have turned the tide on this disease,” said principal investigator Richard Burt, MD, chief of immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases at the Feinberg School. The clinical trial was performed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The patients in the small trial continued to improve for up to 24 months after the stem cell transplant and then stabilized. Improvements were seen in the areas which were affected by MS, including walking, ataxia, limb strength, vision, and incontinence.

The encouraging news is that patients’ own stem cells were used, eliminating ethical concerns about the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research.

The patient group was made up of 12 women and 11 men on the early stages of relapsing-remitting MS. After three years, 17 patients improved by at least one point on the standard disability scale. None of the patients scores were lower. More trials are now underway to confirm these findings. Researchers also caution that in order for this procedure to work, it must be done before permanent nerve-cell damage has taken place.

In June, two studies published in the journal Nature Genetics report identifying new genes and gene regions that contribute to making people susceptible to developing MS.

In August, Canadian researchers announced that mice with an disease akin to MS experienced recovery when administered “GIFT15″ – a compound formed by fusing two immune proteins. Findings by Jacques Galipeau, MD (McGill University, Montreal) were reported in Nature Medicine (August 2009).

In addition, an international team reversed MS in mice by administering lisinopril, a drug commonly used to lower blood pressure. A drug used to treat diabetes (metformin) also improved MS-like disease in mice in a study by researchers from Medical University of South Carolina and Mayo Clinic.

A study released in October challenged what we know about multiple sclerosis. Researchers at the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center at the University of Buffalo are looking into the possibility that MS results from narrowing of the primary veins outside the skull — chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency. In CCSVI, narrowing of the veins restricts the flow of blood from the brain, causing degeneration of neurons.

CCSVI was discovered by Paolo Zamboni, M.D., from Italy’s University of Ferrara. Results of a preliminary study of 16 patients with relapsing/remitting MS and eight healthy controls showed that all the MS patients, but none of the controls, had chronic insufficient blood flow out of the brain. Studies are ongoing. Previous theories about the cause of MS point to a genetic pre-disposition, environmental causes, or an abnormal response of the body’s immune system.

If the CTEVD study does, in fact, point to CCSVI as a cause of MS, it would be possible to identify people at risk of developing MS before symptoms are obvious and permanent damage has begun.

“If we can prove our hypothesis, that cerebrospinal venous insufficiency is the underlying cause of MS,” said Robert Zivadinov, M.D., Ph.D., UB associate professor of neurology, director of the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center (BNAC) and principal investigator on the study, “it is going to change the face of how we understand MS.” (quote from MedicalNews.net, emphasis mine)

Isolating the cause of MS is the first step toward more effective treatments and, eventually, a cure for this debilitating condition. The good news is that research is ongoing on multiple fronts and the last decade has seen major progress in treatment of relapsing/remitting MS, as well as treatment of symptoms.

2009 was quite a year — promising research on several fronts offer people with MS cause for great hope. Finding the cause means better treatments… and possibly the long-sought cure. 2010 is beginning on a positive note.

How you can support MS research:

Montel Williams MS Foundation

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America

Multiple Sclerosis Foundation

Myelin Repair Foundation

National MS Society

Writer Ann Pietrangelo embraces the concept of personal responsibility for health and wellness. As a person living with multiple sclerosis, she combines a healthy lifestyle and education with modern medicine, and seeks to provide information and support to others. She is a regular contributor to Care2.com’s Reform Health Policy blog in Causes. Follow on Twitter @AnnPietrangelo.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jessica F.

10:55AM PDT on Jun 27, 2011

After 6 months of offering stem cell therapy in combination with the venous angioplasty liberation procedure, patients of CCSVI Clinic have reported excellent health outcomes. Ms. Kasma Gianopoulos of Athens Greece, who was diagnosed with the Relapsing/Remitting form of MS in 1997 called the combination of treatments a “cure”. “I feel I am completely cured” says Ms. Gianopoulos, “my symptoms have disappeared and I have a recovery of many functions, notably my balance and my muscle strength is all coming (back). Even after six months, I feel like there are good changes happening almost every day. Before, my biggest fear was that the changes wouldn’t (hold). I don’t even worry about having a relapse anymore. I’m looking forward to a normal life with my family. I think I would call that a miracle.”
Other recent MS patients who have had Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT), or stem cell therapy have posted videos and comments on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFQr2eqm3Cg.
Dr. Avneesh Gupte, the Neurosurgeon at Noble Hospital performing the procedure has been encouraged by results in Cerebral Palsy patients as well. “We are fortunate to be able to offer the treatment because not every hospital is able to perform these types of transplants. You must have the specialized medical equipment and specially trained doctors and nurses”. With regard to MS patients, “We are cautious, but nevertheless excited by what pat

send a green star

Christin B.

8:49AM PST on Nov 19, 2010

I just came back from a procedure that is helpful to patients with MS. I went for testing in July and I was found to have 5/5 narrowed or blocked veins. On Nov 15/10, I had a procedure that opened these veins.

Some people have miraculous improvements, some only minor or come later and a few notice no change. Although I seem to fit into the 2nd category, I notice the numbness in my fingers seems to be going away, I have more energy and I have colour back in my face - no more vampire look for me!

The procedure wasn't unbearable but it hurt a bit!. Not something I'd like to subject myself to on a regular basis but if it helps even a little, I'm happy.

They give you Valium and it's a simple, relatively non-invasive, in/out procedure. I was in the procedure for about an hour and then laid on my back for about an hour or two while the nurses monitored the incision and my vitals. Just precaution.

My feet are still numb and balance is off as it has been. I thought the other day it was improving and it may have but it is going to take time.

So, with that said... rest, proper diet and exercise which I'll hopefully increase as I go! No marathons or step classes just yet but I'm working on that. Even though I am a skeptical person, I still suggest people living with MS look into this procedure. Send me a message if you have questions.

Derek D.

9:33AM PST on Nov 8, 2010

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis back in 1983. I can hardly walk now and it seems my condition worsens every day. When I first heard about the Liberation procedure and its results from a friend, I thought United States would be the first to conduct the trials. I could never imagine the corruption involved. I ended up applying for this simple procedure in Poland and waiting.. The other options were to get it done in India. After researching the internet extensively, I came across http://www.ccsviclinic.ca/ . They are screening for CCSVI in Fargo, ND and have very affordable packages for the Liberation procedure in India. I called (404)461-9560 and spoke to their nurse administrator Lisa whose priceless support made me realize that we are not alone in the fight against MS. They are screening within the US and Canada, their medical travel package includes flight arrangements and help with the visas, world class accommodation and meals within their hospitals, the liberation procedure, a stent if needed, medications necessary, a site-seeing tour, Pre-and post-procedure supervision, Full medical file including copies of charts, screens, CDs of Venograms, blood work, EKGs, etc. Post Procedure Screenings, follow-up and consultation with surgeons for the next 6 months and so many other provisions Lisa told me about, I can’t recall however you might be able to find out more on their site.. http://ccsviclinic.ca/?page_id=564 . They are providing all of this at just $13000 as

7:25PM PST on Feb 21, 2010

CCSVI in MS Toronto is having an alternate march on the same day as the MS Walk to raise awareness for CCSVI. The MS Liberation Group wishes them the best and hope the day is a huge success.

MS Liberation is also discussing a day to unite everyone from our various websites and groups. We are thinking of having it on a day after the MS Walk in Ottawa so that we can promote the event utilizing the MS Walk's gathering to reach many people. We also want to learn from the event in Toronto, ON Canada.

You can get info and show your support by going to MSLiberation@groups.care2.com. If you prefer Facebook, you can join http://apps.facebook.com/causes/426953?m=7604b1e4 or the group http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=240255865535. Our original site is www.msliberation.ca. We'd love to hear from you

Bridget W.

12:19PM PST on Feb 21, 2010

CCSVI needs to be taken seriously as people with MS don't have time to wait, we've waited too long already! This debilitating disease only gets worse!

JE L.

4:27PM PST on Jan 30, 2010

Thanks.

Linda J.

9:01PM PST on Jan 19, 2010

Great to hear vthat there has been major progress

Past Member .

6:31PM PST on Jan 19, 2010

diagnosed with ms in 1985 i had to teach my drs about most of it pain muscle cramps the twitching etc the part that gets me then as today people need to look into themselfs as if they had what the person had nuf said martha L

7:12AM PST on Jan 19, 2010

Jesus himself took my deseases and infirmities. I will live: I will not die and I will tell the works of the Heavenly Father. God wants me to be in good health. The healing is God's will for it is part of his redemption plan. Health and healing are mine. Desease does not come from God. Desease and infirmity belong to the devil. So I don't accept nor desease or infirmity in my body. (from the book "Health Food" by Kenneth E. Hagin). Oh God if it's your will, please also lead this child to the Healing Room Ministry as you did for me. This is such a comfort on my healing path from MS desease as we all TRUST in YOUR LOVING POWER ! We have the power - FAITH sets off the POWER ! Thank you Heavenly Father the almighty - Glory to the Lord - in Jesus name I pray - Thank you Father - Thank you Jesus - Thank you Holy Spirit - AMEN and AMEN and AMEN

Anne F.

1:45PM PST on Jan 17, 2010

Grateful for scientists seeking early and accurate diagnoses.