Search for:
Search for:
Healthcare Professionals
Publications
News
EspaƱol
Contact
Magazine
Radio
Get Educated
What is MS?
A chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, comprised of the brain...
More Details
Educational Materials
Common Questions
Lending Library
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Additional Resources
Research
MS Awareness Month
Donate
Get Help
Health & Wellness Program
Get educational materials and referrals, as well as the opportunity to participate in various...
Learn More
Grants & Programs
Awareness Campaigns
Support Groups
Events
Lending Library
Additional Resources
Get Involved
MS Awareness Month
An annual, nationwide campaign with goals to promote an understanding of MS, and to assist those...
Learn More
Advocacy
Buy from Partners
Volunteer
Businesses
MS Research Trials
Outreach
Awareness Campaigns
Host an Event
Events
Test Flyout
lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem...
Learn More
Events Calendar
Health & Wellness
Fundraisers
Support
Web & Teleconferences
MS Education
Host an Event
About Us
Programs & Grants
More Details
Overview
Press Room
Leadership
Financial Statements
Our Mission
Careers at MS Focus
Affiliations
News & Features
MS Focus At Sea
MS Focus At Sea offers educational programs, opportunities to meet old and new friends, and adventures for every...
/Events/MSF-Events/MSFocus-Cruise-For-A-Cause
Transportation Assista...
Helping members remain as independent as possible, and ensuring all people with MS have the...
/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Transportation-Assistance-Grant
Shop
Privacy
Terms of Use
Site Map
Scientists find genetic markers for severe form of MS
September 20, 2017
Scientists have uncovered two related cytokines and associated genetic markers that may explain why some people develop progressive multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at OHSU in Portland, Oregon, and Yale University identified a cytokine, called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), along with the protein D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT), that are linked to progressive MS. Cytokines are a type of protein that are important in signaling between cells in the body. These particular cytokines can worsen the disease by increasing inflammation within the central nervous system. Researchers also identified two genetic markers that enhance expression of MIF and D-DT that occurred more frequently in MS patients with progressive disease, particularly in men.
These findings suggest that a simple genetic test could be used to identify MS patients at risk of developing the more severe form of the disease. The study authors are now working on developing a medication that targets these cytokines, which they believe might stop the disease in its tracks.
Scientists made the discovery through the observation of 117 participants with MS along with DNA analysis of plasma samples. In addition, researchers determined in laboratory studies that a therapeutic medication previously developed to successfully treat MS-like disease progression in rodents could block functional activities of both MIF and D-DT.
Researchers say the findings may open the door to the use of precision medicine for preventing and treating the progressive form of MS. Although there are 14 FDA-approved therapies for the remitting-relapsing form of MS, there is only one treatment for progressive MS.
The study was published in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
.
MS Focus Lending Library
Books, DVDs, and CDs are available for loan, by mail across the United States.
Learn more