Cut-off evaluation of intrathecal oligoclonal bands of IgM in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; a retrospective study.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease and characterized by immunological changes. Oligoclonal bands of IgG in CSF not seen in corresponding serum have been used for many years as part of the diagnostic criteria. However, considerably less is known about the role of IgM, despite several studies showing marked changes to IgM metabolism in MS.

Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin are not associated with disease activity or treatment response in multiple sclerosis.

Adipokines secreted by fatty tissue have inflammatory properties and are suggested biomarkers of MS disease activity. To assess this, 88 MS patients were followed with nine repeated measurements of leptin and adiponectin and 12 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for two years; six months without any immunomodulatory treatment followed by 18 months during interferon-beta (IFNB) treatment. Serum levels of leptin dropped and adiponectin increased upon initiation of IFNB-therapy, but were not associated with clinical or MRI disease activity or with treatment response.

α-Linolenic acid is associated with MRI activity in a prospective cohort of multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: The plant-based ω-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA) has been associated with lower MS risk. It is currently unknown whether ALA affects disease activity.

Objective: To investigate the association between ALA levels and disease activity.

No association of tobacco use and disease activity in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To study whether tobacco use is associated with MRI and clinical disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Prospective cohort study of 87 patients with relapsing-remitting MS originally included in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in MS (the OFAMS Study). Serum levels of cotinine (biomarker of tobacco use) were analyzed at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years.

Vitamin D, HLA-DRB1 and Epstein-Barr virus antibody levels in a prospective cohort of multiple sclerosis patients.

Background And Purpose: Our objective was to study the association between serum levels of anti Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) antibody and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in a prospective cohort of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Method: The study comprised 90 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, all participants in a randomized clinical trial of ω-3 fatty acids (the OFAMS study). Repeated, paired measurements of serum 25(OH)D and serum EBNA-1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were obtained at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months.