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Epitope spreading initiates in the CNS in two mouse models of multiple sclerosis.

Chronic progression of two T cell-mediated central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating models of multiple sclerosis, relapsing EAE (R-EAE) and Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) is dependent on the activation of T cells to endogenous myelin epitopes (epitope spreading). Using transfer of carboxyfluorescein succinyl ester (CFSE)-labeled T-cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic T cells and mixed bone marrow chimeras, we show that activation of naive proteolipid protein (PLP)139-151-specific T cells in SJL mice undergoing PLP178-191-induced R-EAE or TMEV-IDD occurs directly in the CNS and not in the cervical lymph nodes or other peripheral lymphoid organs. Examination of the antigen-presentation capacity of antigen-presenting cell (APC) populations purified from the CNS of mice with PLP178-191-induced R-EAE shows that only F4/80-CD11c+CD45hi dendritic cells (DCs) efficiently present endogenous antigen to activate naive PLP139-151-specific T cells in vitro. In contrast, DCs as well as F4/80+CD45hi macrophages and F4/80+CD45lo microglia activate a PLP139-151-specific helper T cell line. The data suggest that naive T cells enter the inflamed CNS and are activated by local APCs, possibly DCs, to initiate epitope spreading.

Adoptive Transfer↗

The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the District of Santarém, Portugal.

The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Portugal is still unknown. Recent studies conducted in southern European countries showed higher than expected rates of MS prevalence. In an attempt to evaluate the MS prevalence in Santarém--a district with 62621 inhabitants (1991 census) located in the centre of Portugal--we have conducted a population survey in this district for five years. The crude prevalence rate found was 46.3/100,000. This figure is not different from findings recently reported in studies conducted at similar latitudes in neighbour southern European countries. This was the first population survey conducted in Portugal, and it is the first accurate contribution to the knowledge of the MS prevalence in this country.

Adolescent↗

The association of depression with disease course in multiple sclerosis.

The relative frequency of depression in people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) (30 patients) compared with those with a history of relapse (106 patients) was determined. Three participants in the progressive group and 28 in the relapsing group had a lifetime history of major depression. The lifetime morbidity ratio for major depression in relapsing patients was 2.64 compared with that of PPMS.

Adult↗

Multiple sclerosis.

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Disease Progression↗

Patterns of enhancing lesion evolution in multiple sclerosis are uniform within patients.

BACKGROUND: Histopathologic studies suggest that lesion development differs between patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but that all lesions appear similar within patients. It is unclear whether the same applies to the evolution of lesions on T1-weighted MRI. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate lesion evolution on MRI, comparing variance within and between patients, as well as the relationship between MRI lesion development and clinical characteristics. METHODS: In 48 patients, signal intensity at baseline and at follow-up on T1-weighted MRI of 789 newly enhancing lesions was studied in relationship with clinical data. Patients were included on the basis of showing at least five enhancing lesions that could be followed on monthly scans for 6 months. Variance component analysis and multilevel analysis were used to compare within-patient and between-patient variability. RESULTS: Although various types of lesion evolution could be observed within a single patient, between-patient variance was considerably larger than within-patient variance for MRI parameters used to describe lesion evolution, indicating that lesion evolution is a patient-specific phenomenon. Evolution of lesions in patients with secondary progressive disease more frequently followed a hypointense-hypointense pattern than in patients with relapsing-remitting disease (odds ratio 4.2). Patients with a benign disease course had more persistent isointense lesions at follow-up, whereas patients with aggressive disease had more hypointense lesions. CONCLUSION: Lesion evolution on MRI appears to be a patient-specific phenomenon, although the outcome seems to vary according to the phase and severity of the disease.

Central Nervous System↗

Relationship of urinary myelin basic protein-like material with cranial magnetic resonance imaging in advanced multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: A significant correlation exists between disability and the volume of black holes (BHL VOL), defined as hypointense lesions on T1-weighted cranial magnetic resonance imaging. A consistent correlation has also been reported between urinary myelin basic protein-like material (MBPLM) and the transition toward secondary progression (SP) from relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To improve the management of MS through a noninvasive and cost-effective test for monitoring disease activity or disease status. DESIGN AND METHODS: From 662 patients with MS (86 with RR MS, 259 with SP MS without continued attacks, and 317 with SP MS with continued attacks), 24-hour urine samples were obtained at enrollment in the phase 3 Linomide (roquinimex) drug study. The urine specimens were analyzed for MBPLM and correlated with clinical features and findings on cranial magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Significant but weak correlations existed between urinary MBPLM and BHL VOL in all patients with MS (r = 0.114, P =.003; n = 662), patients with SP MS without attacks (r = 0.185, P =.003; n = 259), and all patients with SP MS (r = 0.122, P =.003; n = 576). No significant correlations were detected in the RR MS group or any of the disease groups or subgroups whose Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 5.0 or lower. In subgroup analysis, the most significant correlation was detected between urinary MBPLM after adjustment for creatinine and BHL VOL in patients with SP MS with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 5.5 or higher but without continued relapses (r = 0.417, P<.001; n = 138). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced SP MS, urinary MBPLM may possibly serve as an indicator of failed remission and axonal damage. Urinary MBPLM correlates with disease status in MS, especially the transition of RR MS to SP MS with advancing disability.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Relapses and progression of disability in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The influence of the patterns of onset of multiple sclerosis and relapses of the disease on the time course of irreversible disability is controversial. METHODS: In 1844 patients with multiple sclerosis who were followed for a mean (+/- SD) of 11 +/- 10 years, we determined the time of the clinical onset of the disease, the initial course (relapsing-remitting or progressive) and the subsequent course (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, or primary progressive), the times of relapses, the time to the onset of irreversible disability, and the time course of progressive, irreversible disability. We used three scores on the Kurtzke Disability Status Scale (range, 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more severe disability) as measures of the severity and progression of disability: a score of 4 (limited walking ability but able to walk for more than 500 m without aid or rest), a score of 6 (ability to walk with unilateral support no more than 100 m without rest), and a score of 7 (ability to walk no more than 10 m without rest while leaning against a wall or holding onto furniture for support). We used Kaplan-Meier analyses to determine the influence of relapses on the time to the onset of irreversible disability. RESULTS: The median times from the onset of multiple sclerosis to the assignment of a score of 4, a score of 6, and a score of 7 on the disability scale were longer among the 1562 patients with a relapsing-remitting onset of disease (11.4, 23.1, and 33.1 years, respectively) than among the 282 patients who had progressive disease from the onset (0.0, 7.1, and 13.4 years, respectively; P<0.001 for all comparisons). In contrast, the times from the assignment of a score of 4 to a score of 6 were similar in the two groups (5.7 and 5.4 years, P=0.74). The time course of progressive, irreversible disease among patients with the primary progressive type of multiple sclerosis was not affected by the presence or absence of superimposed relapses. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with multiple sclerosis, relapses do not significantly influence the progression of irreversible disability.

Adolescent↗

Kurtzke scales revisited: the application of psychometric methods to clinical intuition.

When developing his disability scales for multiple sclerosis, Kurtzke demonstrated perception and insight. However, 45 years later, the evaluation of his clinically derived scales remains limited, particularly for more disabled patients. Indeed, many of Kurtzke's assumptions underpinning the development of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Functional Systems (FS) are untested. This study aims to build on previous work and provide a more detailed examination using psychometric methods of the EDSS and FS. There are three study objectives: (i) to examine comprehensively the psychometric properties of the EDSS in more disabled people with multiple sclerosis undergoing in-patient rehabilitation; (ii) to examine the reliability of the FS and test Kurtzke's assumptions that they measure different aspects of the neurological examination and measure different constructs from that measured by the EDSS; and (iii) to examine whether the FS can be summed to generate a summary score. The EDSS was examined for its acceptability (score distributions), reliability (inter- and intra-rater reproducibility, standard error of measurement), validity (convergent and discriminant validity, measurement precision, discrimination between individuals) and responsiveness (effect size). The FS were examined for their reliability (inter- and intra-rater reproducibility), intercorrelations, correlations with the EDSS and the extent to which they satisfy Likert's criteria as a summed rating scale. In this more disabled sample of people with multiple sclerosis, the EDSS is an acceptable measure but demonstrates limited variability. Inter-rater reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC = 0.78) is adequate for group comparison studies, but intra-rater reproducibility is variable (ICC = 0.62-0.94). Convergent and discriminant validity for the EDSS is supported, but its measurement precision relative to the Functional Independence Measure is limited (56%). Also, the EDSS has a limited ability to distinguish between individuals in terms of their disability and its responsiveness is poor (effect size = 0.10). Results indicate that the FS measure constructs distinct from each other (intercorrelations = -0.23 to +0. 52) and from the EDSS (correlations = -0.10 to +0.59). Intra-rater, but not inter-rater reproducibility is adequate for group comparison studies. The FS do not satisfy criteria as an eight-, seven- or six-item summed rating scale. Despite being based on sound clinical intuition, the lack of psychometric input into the development of the EDSS and FS has limited their usefulness as evaluative outcome measures in multiple sclerosis.

Adult↗

Multiple sclerosis in Finland: incidence trends and differences in relapsing remitting and primary progressive disease courses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the secular trends and geographical differences in the incidence of relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in Finland, and to draw inferences about aetiological differences between the two forms of the disease. METHODS: New multiple sclerosis cases in southern Uusimaa and the western districts Vaasa and Seinäjoki of Finland in 1979-1993 were verified from hospital records and classified into RRMS and PPMS. Patients met the Poser criteria for definite multiple sclerosis or otherwise satisfied the criteria for PPMS. Disease course was categorised by the same neurologist. Crude and age adjusted incidence in 1979-1993 was estimated. RESULTS: During 1979-1993 the age adjusted incidence was 5.1 per 100 000 person-years in Uusimaa, 5.2 in Vaasa, and 11.6 in Seinäjoki. The rates in Uusimaa remained stable, while a decrease occurred in Vaasa and an increase in Seinäjoki. Between 1979-86 and 1987-93 the incidence of PPMS increased in Seinäjoki from 2.6 to 3.7 per 10(5) and decreased in Vaasa from 1.9 to 0.2 per 10(5); the trends were similar for RRMS. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in secular trends for multiple sclerosis incidence in Finland by geographical area, but these are similar for PPMS and RRMS. The recent changes point to locally acting environmental factors. The parallel incidence trends for RRMS and PPMS suggest similar environmental triggers for the two clinical presentations of multiple sclerosis.

Adolescent↗

IL-1ra serum levels in disease stages of MS--a marker for progression?

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is one of the major proinflammatory cytokines expressed consistently in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) is the only known naturally occurring specific antagonistic cytokine counteracting IL-1. Thus IL-1ra may have a downregulating potential in the disease course of MS. We analysed if circulating IL-1ra could be associated with different disease stages of MS in sera of 84 MS patients and 18 controls. IL-1ra showed considerable variations in MS patients and controls. Nevertheless we found significantly elevated serum levels in active as well as in stable disease stages compared to controls. IL-1ra levels were higher in progressive disease courses compared to relapsing-remitting MS, but not statistically significant (median: 516 versus 434 pg/ml). Further analysis with larger groups of patients and longitudinal studies will clarify if IL-1ra is useful as a prognostic serum marker in MS.

Adult↗

Prospective study of multiple sclerosis with early onset.

Fifty-four subjects (36 females and 18 males) affected by clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS) and with onset of the disease at 15 years of age or before were prospectively studied in five Italian MS centres. Female/male ratio was 4.7 in subjects with age > or = 12 years, suggesting a role of hormonal changes in triggering MS onset The mean follow-up duration was 10.9+/-5.6 years. The functional systems more frequently involved at onset were the pyramidal and brainstem (both in 28% of cases). The onset was monosymptomatic in 31 subjects (57%). The course was relapsing-remitting in 39 subjects (72%) and relapsing-progressive in 15 (28%). Disability was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): the mean score after 8 years of follow up was 3.5 (+/-2.5). The score was <4 in 68% of cases, between 4 and 6 in 8% of cases, >6 in 24% of cases. Disability after 8 years was highly predicted by disability in the first year (p=0.008). There was a tendency to a worse prognosis in relation to the number of relapses in the first 2 years (p=0.08). The outcome was not influenced by the characteristics of symptoms at onset age and gender.

Adolescent↗

sICAM-1 is not a marker for disease activity in the relapse-free interval of multiple sclerosis--a cross-sectional pilot study.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), serum levels of ICAM-1 were elevated during acute exacerbations and were therefore proposed as a marker of disease activity, but the potential of this molecule as an indicator of long-term activity, i. e. the progression of the disease outside acute exacerbations, is not known. We therefore measured sICAM-1 levels by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 26 patients with active relapsing-remitting (RR) MS (at least two relapses in the preceding 2 years, but not within the last 30 days), in 10 patients with active secondary-progressive MS (progression of at least one point on the EDSS and/or two relapses in the preceding 2 years, but not within the last 30 days), in 8 patients with stable RR MS (no relapse and no progression during the last two years), and in 16 healthy controls. There was no significant difference between the different MS subtypes and healthy controls, nor within the different MS subtypes. Thus, while sICAM-1 may be useful to indicate short-term activity of MS in terms of relapses and MRI activity, this does not hold true for the long-term activity of MS outside acute exacerbations.

Adult↗

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present article reviews the currently ongoing scientific debate on the specific characteristics of primary progressive multiple sclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS: The most important observations come from the studies using magnetic resonance imaging showing involvement of the normal-appearing brain tissue and also from the clinical and magnetic-resonance-imaging descriptions in longitudinal studies. SUMMARY: Progress in the diagnosis of primary progressive multiple sclerosis has been made. Long- and short-term natural history are now better known, which will allow the designing of clinical trials in the near future. Magnetic-resonance-imaging studies have demonstrated damage of the normal-appearing brain tissue, which may explain in part the apparent clinical and radiological paradox, common to all clinical forms of multiple sclerosis but perhaps more evident in the primary progressive form. Preliminary results from exploratory trials seem to indicate that these patients should no longer be excluded from therapeutic trials.

Animals↗

Similar pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production in the different clinical forms of multiple sclerosis.

Cytokines play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of the inflammatory reaction in multiple sclerosis, a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging evidence supports clinical divergence between forms of multiple sclerosis with relapses and the primary progressive form without relapses, which shows fewer and smaller inflammatory lesions. With the aim of understanding better the relative role of pro-inflammatory and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines in primary progressive multiple sclerosis in comparison to relapsing forms, we analysed in 65 patients (24 primary progressive, 20 relapsing-remitting and 21 secondary progressive) and 29 healthy controls, the production of cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells after in vitro stimulation. We found a similar percentage of cytokines producing cells between healthy controls and the different clinical forms of multiple sclerosis patients.

Adult↗

Multiple sclerosis: Neurofilament light chain antibodies are correlated to cerebral atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate markers of axonal damage in CSF and serum of patients with different subtypes of MS in relation to measures of disease progression on MRI. METHODS: In 51 patients with MS (21 relapsing-remitting, 20 secondary progressive, 10 primary progressive), levels of heavy and light neurofilaments (NfH and NfL) and antibodies to neurofilaments (anti-NfL and -NfH) as well as the total immunoglobulin G (IgG) were analyzed. MRI analysis included T2 hyperintense, T1 hypointense, and gadolinium enhancing lesions and markers of cerebral atrophy (ventricular and parenchymal fractions). RESULTS: For the total group, correlations were found between the anti-NfL index and the parenchymal fraction (PF) (r = -0.51, p < 0.001), T2 lesion load (r = 0.41, p < 0.05), ventricular fraction (r = 0.37, p < 0.05), and T1 lesion load (r = 0.37, p < 0.05). For the anti-NfH index, a correlation was found with the PF (r = -0.39, p < 0.05). No correlations were found between the IgG index and MRI measures. CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal production of anti-NfL antibodies may serve as a marker of tissue damage, particularly axonal loss, in MS.

Adult↗

Long-term follow up of patients with clinically isolated syndromes, relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

This paper extends on previous data on prognosis in multiple sclerosis (MS), to encompass the entire course of the disease. The first episode suggestive of MS [the clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)] was included as a starting point, and the speed of secondary progression as an end point. Primary progressive MS was not included. Unique preconditions, with one neurological service covering the Göteborg district, allowed for establishing a strictly population-based, essentially untreated 15-year incidence cohort of 308 MS patients who were followed for 25 years. Survival analysis was performed as Kaplan-Meyer graphs, and independent predictors were ascertained by Cox regression analysis. A matrix of several predictors and end points was created. From CIS, a higher risk of developing clinically definite MS (CDMS), secondary progressive course and Disability Status Scale 7 (DSS7) was predicted by efferent tract lesions. However, less than 25% had reached DSS7 25 years after CIS with pure afferent lesions or other favorable predictors. During the first five years, higher relapse frequency, as well as incomplete remission of early bouts, predicted higher risks of secondary progressive course and DSS7 during follow-up to 25 years. However, these early predictors were unable to predict the rate of progression, which seems to contain an element of the disease process unassociated with its early events. Only late predictors, such as a shorter time from onset to secondary progression (1-10 years) and a higher number of functional systems involved at onset of progression predicted a faster progression rate. Predictors from this study could be used to refine historically controlled trials.

Adult↗

Monocyte-derived cytokines in multiple sclerosis.

MS is an inflammatory, presumably autoimmune, disease mediated by the activation of T cells, B cells and monocytes (MO). Inflammation is thought to occur early during the relapsing-remitting phase of MS (RRMS), whereas in the later phases of MS such as secondary progressive MS (SPMS), inflammation tends to diminish. Our objective was to compare the types and amounts of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines produced by MO from relapsing-remitting patients with or without treatment with IFN-beta (RRMS+ therapy, RRMS- therapy), respectively, from secondary progressive patients (SPMS) and from healthy controls (HC). MO were isolated by a density-gradient technique and three different techniques (RNase protection assay, ELISA and intracellular cytokine staining) were used to assess cytokine levels. An increase in IL6, IL12 and TNF-alpha was observed by all three methods for RRMS- therapy and for SPMS patients compared to HC and RRMS+ therapy patients. We conclude that proinflammatory and regulatory monokines can be derived from MO of MS patients and that these levels are modulated by IFN-beta therapy. Although it is believed that inflammation tends to diminish in SPMS patients, our data show that inflammatory cytokines continue to be released at high levels, suggesting that IFN-beta or IL10 treatment may be beneficial for this group.

Adolescent↗

[Mitoxantrone].

Mitoxantrone is an antineoplastic agent that exerts a potent immunosuppresive effect, including suppression of B cell immunity and reduction of T cell numbers. Clinical trials have shown that mitoxantrone has a statistically significant impact on reduction of relapse rate and delays disability progression in patients with relapsing remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) or secondary progressive (SP) MS. Treatment is well tolerated, but the risk of cardiotoxicity at higher cumulative doses is likely to limit the duration of treatment. The maximum cumulative dose recommended is 140 mg/m2. In 2000, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of mitoxantrone for the treatment of active RRMS, SPMS and progressing relapsing (PR) MS.

Antineoplastic Agents↗