It was not until the 1960s that researchers realized that multiple sclerosis was an autoimmune disorder: the white blood cells in the body were actually attacking the nerve cells and causing the symptoms, which range from mild numbness in the extremities to severe paralysis. About the same time, researchers discovered that people with multiple sclerosis have altered antibodies against some viruses. This led to the idea that a viral infection might be related to the autoimmune disorder.
These two concepts--autoimmune disorder and viral infection--form the basis for most of the research on multiple sclerosis done in 2001.
Study results
December 2001 - A study demonstrated that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is related to multiple sclerosis: women who had blood tests done before and after developing multiple sclerosis had high levels of antibodies to EBV before developing the disease. Since EBV is a common infection but multiple sclerosis is rare, the EBV is not directly causing multiple sclerosis; there must be some other factor(s) involved in the development of the disease. (Otherwise, everyone with EBV would develop multiple sclerosis.)
December 2001 - Minocycline, an antibiotic, was used to treat rats with an experimental disorder that is similar to multiple sclerosis. The rats given the antibiotic did not develop neurological problems, or had less severe illness than the untreated rats. Researchers believe this antibiotic could be used in early multiple sclerosis or prior to relapses of the disease. Minocycline is already used in another autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis.
November 2001 - A component of sea anemone venom (called ShK) stopped activated immune cells from destroying nerve cells in rats with an experimentally-induced multiple sclerosis disorder. The disorder in rats was reversed, even after symptoms began.
June 2001 - Cognitive impairments, such as problems with concentration and memory, affect up to 60% of patients with multiple sclerosis. Researchers in a study gave patients with multiple sclerosis a medication usually used to treat cognitive problems in Alzheimer's disease. The patients had increased concentration, better memory and attention span, and were better able to learn new things.
Clinical trials
Researchers are studying medications such as Rolipram, Zenapax, Natalizumab, and Novantrone for treating multiple sclerosis, and non-medicine treatments such as yoga and natural antioxidants. Patients interested in participating can get information about federally-funded trials at ClinicalTrials.gov.
Information for this article was taken from:
-"Epstein-Barr Virus Linked to Risk of Getting Multiple Sclerosis." The New York Times, December 26, 2001.
- Reuters Medical News. "EBV Infection Temporally Linked to Multiple Sclerosis." December 25, 2001.
- Rolak, L. A. MS: An Historical Perspective. Available online from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
- University of California-Irving. "Sea Anemone Toxin Halts Experimental Multiple Sclerosis." Press release, November 21, 2001.
- University of Rochester Medical Center. "Doctors Test Memory Drug for Multiple Sclerosis Patients." Press release, June 21, 2001.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Antibiotic May Be A Potential Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis." Press release, December 21, 2001.
