Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 6446 msfocusmagazine.org Researchers link MS to gut bacteria In a new study, researchers detected clear evidence of changes that tie together bacteria living in the gut and immunological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that people with MS have different patterns of gut microorganisms than those of their healthy counterparts. In addition, patients receiving treatment for MS have different patterns than untreated patients. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications. Thrower – The gastrointestinal (GI) tract may be a path to our immune system. The human GI tract is lined with lymphatic tissue and may be one of the first places that our immune system interacts with and reacts to the environment. The GI tract normally hosts a variety of “good” bacteria. This study shows that the bacteria living in the gut are different in a person with MS and normalize when on an MS therapy. So, what does this mean in the real world? Are the changes in the gut bacteria the result of, or part of, the cause of MS? Would strategies to keep normal bacteria in the gut (i.e. probiotics) be associated with a lower risk of developing MS? While human studies are lacking, a 2010 studyin the animal model of MS did show that a probiotic containing three strains of Lactobacillus did have an anti-inflammatory effect. New study suggests MS risk, obesity link A new study suggests that elevated body mass index could be an important, and potentially modifiable, risk factor for MS. The authors said the findings provide more reason to address rising obesity rates and to investigate whether interventions that promote a healthy lifestyle may help to mitigate MS risk. Using data from the largest genome-wide association study consortia for MS and BMI, the researchers found evidence supporting elevated BMI as a causal risk factor for MS. A genetically determined change in the BMI category from overweight to obese was linked with a substantially higher risk of MS in this study. The study was published in the journal PLoS One. Thrower – MS results from a complex confluence of genetic and environmental factors. It is quite possible that there is more than one pathway to MS. Many of these risk factors are completely out of our control, such as genetics and common viral exposures. A few risk factors, including obesity, may be modifiable, however. This is not to minimize the struggle that many have with their weight. Medicine & Research Doctor’s Notes The MS News column includes analysis from Ben Thrower, M.D., MS Focus Senior Medical Advisor. Dr. Thrower draws from the top news stories of the quarter and explains what the news means to you, the person with MS.