2 Interesting MS Articles

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New Way to Catch Multiple Sclerosis

By Fraser Cain June 27, 2007 | 6:26:38 PMCategories: Disease,

Medicine & Medical Procedures

Multiple sclerosis is a tricky disease to find and diagnose. The first

signs can be problems with vision, balance, or even swallowing. The

symptoms come and go in the beginning, and it's only in retrospect

that the puzzle adds up to a diagnosis of MS. Since people are using

their brains at the time they contract the condition, new diagnosis

methods need to be developed.

The disease is so prevalent, chances are you know someone suffering

from it right now. It affects the neurons in the brain that transmit

information, slowly dissolving the myelin sheath that surrounds these

neurons. This disrupts the neural pathways and leads to the wide range

of symptoms.

Scientists aren't sure what causes MS. One of the most prevalent

theories is that it's an autoimmune disease, where the body's own

immune system considers this myelin sheath a foreign entity and

attacks it.

Researchers from Purdue University have developed a new technique that

lets them watch the degradation of the myelin sheath in action. The

technique is called " coherent anti-Stokes scattering, or CARS, and it

shows how a molecule called lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) lets in an

influx of calcium ions into the myelin. This causes increased

production of enzymes which break down proteins and molecules in the

sheath.

Here's one of the researchers, Dr. Riyi Shi:

" The findings of this study will help us to identify key steps in the

progression of the demyelination, which is a hallmark of multiple

sclerosis. This information will also facilitate the design of

pharmaceutical interventions that slow down or even reverse the

development of the debilitating disease. "

This still doesn't help explain why the disease happens in the first

place, just one of the stages that leads to the deterioration of the

myelin. But it could help create a new clinical technique to diagnose

MS early.

Their research paper will published this month in the Journal of

Neuroscience Research.

Original source: Purdue University News Release

Previous coverage here and here.

http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2007/06/new-way-to-catc.html

Pluristem and German Center for Regenerative Therapies Ink

Research Deal

Jul 9 2007, 12:55 PM EST

GEN News Highlights

Pluristem Life Systems <http://www.pluristem.com> inked a research

agreement with the Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapy

(BCRT) at Charité-University Medicine Berlin. Pluristem and BCRT will

explore a variety of indications utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

derived from the placenta that have been expanded in the company's

PluriX^ 3-D bioreactor.

The initial focus of the alliance will be on neurological indications

such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. The agreement also

covers organ transplantation and cardiovascular indications like

inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Pluristem will be the exclusive owner of

the technology and any products stemming from the collaboration.

http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=20085094