Big Bucks going on this research - wow

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Researchers set out to identify triggers for multiple sclerosis May.

5, 2004

Provided by: Canadian Press

TORONTO (CP) - Researchers from 22 hospitals across Canada are

embarking on a project to try to determine what causes multiple

sclerosis. They'll do it by studying children.

The $4.3-million, five-year study will look at the risk of developing

the disease after a first attack. Not all people who suffer a first

attack go on to experience a second one; a person must have two

attacks before a diagnosis of MS is made.

" The risk of developing MS after an initial attack of the immune

system on the brain or spinal cord is currently unknown, " said Dr.

Banwell, lead study investigator and director of the Hospital

for Sick Children's pediatric MS clinic in Toronto.

" We do not know the key triggers of the MS disease process, nor do we

know how these triggers interact with an individual's immune system.

" My colleagues and I are extremely hopeful this work will help us

understand the disease at its onset, benefiting both children and

adults with MS. "

It is believed both genetic and environmental factors play a role in

the development of MS. By studying children - who've had fewer life

experiences and exposures to viruses, pollutants and other possible

triggers - researchers hope a clearer picture of the environmental

factors will emerge.

MS is an unpredictable and often disabling disease of the brain and

spinal cord. Canada has one of the highest rates of the disease in

the world. It's estimated 50,000 Canadians have MS.

Funding for the study is being provided by the MS Scientific Research

Foundation and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.