March 11, 2024 News by Marisa Wexler, MS Genetic model can help predict risk of MS in optic neuritis patients A model based on genetic factors could help predictĀ the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in people with optic neuritis, an eye disorder that can be an early sign of MS, according to new research. “As a doctor caring for many patients with optic neuritis, Iām excited by…
January 12, 2024 News by Marisa Wexler, MS Ancient DNA reveal how MS risk genes arose, spread across Europe Genetic changes that predispose people to developing multiple sclerosis (MS) first emerged among herding populations who migrated to Eastern Europe thousands of years ago and then spread across the continent, new research has found. Researchers think these genetic variations may have helped turbocharge the immune system, making it easier…
July 25, 2023 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD Genetic risk found similar between RRMS, PPMS in Swedish study The risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) was similar between first- and second-degree family members of people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS). The findings, which were consistent with previous studies suggesting that genetics and environment are relatively equal contributors to disease risk, also…
October 12, 2022 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD EBV Antibodies Found at Increased Levels in MS Patients in Study People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are significantly more likely to have antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ā the strongest risk factor for the disease ā than healthy individuals, as well as higher levels of these antibodies, according to a Spanish study. All MS patients were positive for anti-EBV…
December 21, 2021 News by Margarida Maia, PhD Higher Genetic Risk for MS Linked to Disease Onset at Younger Ages People with a higher genetic risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) are significantly more likely to develop the disease at an earlier age, a large study found. Specifically, those with the highest genetic risk were on average five years younger at the time their symptoms started than those with the…
July 26, 2021 Columns by Ed Tobias MS News That Caught My Eye Last Week: Mavenclad, Genetic Risk, Fatigue Impact, Multivitamins Skin Reactions āFrequentā With Mavenclad, Real-world Study Finds I regularly see people posting on social media about having a rash or itchy skin, or losing hair while taking Mavenclad. Researchers in this study say these side effects aren’t mentioned in the risk management plans for this disease-modifying therapy. Therefore,…
January 24, 2020 News by Marisa Wexler, MS Gene Variants Linked to High Childhood BMI Point to Higher MS Risk, Study Finds Genetic variations that increase body mass index (BMI) in childhoodĀ are associated with a higher risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) regardless of a person’s vitamin D levels, a study found. The study, “BMI and low vitamin D are causal factors for multiple sclerosis,” was published in…
June 25, 2018 Columns by Ed Tobias MS News that Caught My Eye Last Week: A Genetic MS Link?, Spinal MRIs, MRI Payment Help, PPMS Study Researchers Discover How Key Genetic Risk Factor for MS Operates A genetic link to MS is something that some scientists have suspected for years. Now, there’s new research that targets a variation of a specific gene as possibly being that link. Scientists have uncovered the molecular mechanism…
April 21, 2017 News by Patricia Silva, PhD Canadian Study of MS-Prone Family Proves that in Rare Cases, Multiple Sclerosis is Inherited A combination of mutations in two genes makes members of a Canadian family a 7-in-10 chance of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) ā a radical increase from the 1-in-1,000 risk among theĀ general population, according to a study that illustrates the huge impact certain genes can have on disease development. Interestingly, the…