genetics

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…

No Link Between MS Severity, Vitamin D-related Mutations: Study

A number of genetic variations related to vitamin D metabolism were not significantly associated with the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a recent study. The study, “Role of Multiple Vitamin D-Related Polymorphisms in Multiple Sclerosis Severity: Preliminary Findings,” was published inĀ Genes. In MS, the body’s immune…

#ACTRIMS2021 – Benign Versus Aggressive MS ā€“ the Hunt for Clues

Editorā€™s note: TheĀ Multiple Sclerosis News Today news team is providing in-depth and unparalleled coverage of the virtual ACTRIMS Forum 2021, Feb. 25ā€“27. GoĀ hereĀ to see the latest stories from the conference. While researchers make progress in pinpointing markers of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS), identifying those that signal…

Variation in Given Gene May Raise Depression Risk Among MS Patients

A genetic variant may make depressionĀ more likely inĀ certain people with multiple sclerosis (MS) than others, a genome-wideĀ study in patients indicates. The study, “Depression in multiple sclerosis patients associated with risk variant near NEGR1,” was published inĀ Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. Depression is characterized by…

Study Identifies Possible Genetic Causes of MS

Scientists are zeroing in on mutations in a few genes that appear to be major risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The results of their research suggest there are common biological pathways that cause the disease. The study, “Exome sequencing in multiple sclerosis families identifies 12…

Each Major Risk Factor (Like Genes, Smoking and Obesity) Can Affect Disease Course, Study Finds

Risk factors often associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), such as genetic background, obesity and smoking, contribute independently to the disease’s variability and may be an early influence on progression, a study reported. The retrospective study, “Multiple sclerosis risk factors contribute to onset heterogeneity,” was published in the journalĀ …

New Assessment Tool Shows Effect of Social Networks on MS Patient Outcomes

A person’s social network can have an effect on their functional disability. This is what researchers discovered when they applied an online assessment tool they developed to people at risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The tool, developed by researchers fromĀ Brigham and Womenā€™s Hospital, Broad InstituteĀ in Boston,…

ACTRIMS 2018 Forum in San Diego to Showcase Latest Multiple Sclerosis Research

The Americas Committee for the Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, otherwise known as ACTRIMS, says its third annual ACTRIMS Forum will take place Feb. 1-3, 2018, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California. These forums bolster the ACTRIMS mission, which is to foster the careers of young researchers interested in MS by promoting mentor relationships with senior scientists, and giving promising investigators a chance to present their early research findings. ACTRIMS 2017 was a record-breaking year with over 800 people attending. Organizers say 1,000 people will attend this year's conference. The 2018 forum's theme is ā€œTherapeutic Targets in MS: The Frontier and the Future of Disease Modifying Therapy.ā€ ACTRIMS 2018 also features continuing medical education credits for attendees, as well as participation grants for applicable young investigators.

Pilot Study of myMS App, Created to Aid Patients and Research, Starting in US

A clinical trial of a smartphone app that helps multiple sclerosis (MS) understand and manageĀ their disease ā€” and to aid and speed research ā€”Ā is nowĀ recruiting peopleĀ nationwide. Claimed to be the first of its kind, the app, called myMS, is designed to give MS patients quick and easyĀ access toĀ pertinentĀ information, fromĀ clinical evaluations…

#ACTRIMS2017 – Forum for MS Research and Treatment Opens Feb. 23 in Orlando

The second annual Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS), aĀ forumĀ for clinicians, researchers and other MS specialists to network and discussĀ theĀ Ā latest advances in MS research and treatment is set forĀ Feb. 23ā€“25. This year’s meeting takes placeĀ at theĀ Omni ChampionsGateĀ resort hotel in Orlando, Florida.Ā Multiple Sclerosis News…