Genetic Testing May Offer Additional Diagnostic Method for MS

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Genetic Testing May Offer Additional Diagnostic Method for MS

Last year, the medical community witnessed the advent of several new methods for diagnosing MS, including simple and rapid blood tests that detect the presence of certain antibodies. This promising research hinted at the possibility that the diagnosis of MS may soon be faster, less expensive, and less invasive. Additionally, researchers found that blood tests may be able to not only confirm a diagnosis, but also predict the course of the disease, providing valuable information for treatment decisions.According to a new study published in the February 2nd online edition of the ls of Neurology, scientists may have discovered yet another method of utilizing blood tests to diagnose MS, only this time through gene microarray technology. (1) Using blood samples from patients with MS as well as healthy subjects, investigators at Sheba Medical Center in Israel analyzed thousands of genes to find that differences existed in more than 1,000 genes between those with MS and the control group. Additionally, the researchers identified a smaller subset of more than 200 genes that express differently during an acute relapse of the disease.By nature, genes turn on and off in certain patterns in what’s known as gene expression. Through the microarray technology, the researchers were able to determine that a number of genes essentially “fire†in different patterns when people have MS. “Many of the previously unrecognized genes that we identified could serve as markers for disease activity, and potentially, predictors of pending relapses,†says lead investigator Anat Achiron, MD, PhD. Additionally, the study authors speculated that microarray results might also be of benefit in predicting a patient’s therapeutic response. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this study but this latest diagnostic method underscores the potential abundance of new applications for blood tests that may emerge in coming years. Should doctors find themselves equipped with a number of accurate methods of predicting the course of the disease through blood tests—as the MS community fervently hopes—perhaps someday the word “unpredictable†will no longer be used to describe MS. 1. Achiron A, Gurevich M, Friedman N et al. Blood transcriptional signatures of multiple sclerosis: Unique gene expression of disease activity. ls of Neurology Feb 2, 2004, online edition.

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Does Vitamin D Help Protect Against MS?

To start, let’s examine the interesting nexus that surrounds this question. First, it’s well-established that MS is more prevalent in temperate climates farther from the equator where there is less sunlight. This fact has spawned a number of studies to investigate the potentially beneficial role of sunlight in preventing MS. In August 2003, for example, we reported on a study from Tasmania (an island off Australia that gets little sun during winter) that found a 70% lower risk for developing MS for individuals who received greater sun exposure as children. But how does one apply this research, especially when sunlight is also a risk factor for skin cancer?Based on mounting evidence regarding sunlight, scientists have begun to take a closer look at vitamin D, a vitamin that is produced by the body when it is exposed to the sun. Could Vitamin D be the actual protective agent? It’s quite possible, says a team of researchers from Harvard University and the University of California at Irvine. Their recent study of more than 187,000 female nurses found that women who consume 400 IU or more of vitamin D per day—from supplements and diet or from supplements alone—had a 40% lower risk for developing MS than women who did not take multivitamins or vitamin D supplements. (1) The recommended daily intake is 200-600 IU, according to the US government.Based on this revelatory research and other previous findings, it appears that higher levels of vitamin D may be associated with a reduced risk of developing MS, regardless of whether the vitamin D is produced chemically by the body as a reaction to sunlight or whether it is consumed through supplements and food. But surprisingly, the Harvard and UC Irvine researchers found that eating a diet rich in vitamin D alone was not enough to experience a benefit, however. According to the data, women who did not take multivitamins or vitamin D supplements did not experience a lower risk—only those who supplemented their vitamin D intake did. No information was collected on how vitamin levels affect the course of the disease.“These results need to be confirmed with additional research,†says lead author Kassandra Munger of the Harvard School of Public Health. “But it’s exciting to think that something as simple as taking a multivitamin could reduce your risk of developing MS.†Currently, the National MS Society is funding three different studies to further examine the correlations between sunlight, vitamin D, and MS. It is hoped that this additional research will shed light on some important questions that remain to be answered, such as whether vitamin D can improve the course of MS and whether it is beneficial in men as well.1. Munger KL, Zhang SM, O'Reilly E et al. Vitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2004 Jan 13;62(1):60-5.

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Help keep the hope alive by getting involved in Spotlight Health's MS community. Participate in our online support groups to communicate with people who understand what you’re going through. Check out our Links page for even more resources outside Spotlight Health!

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Spotlight Health creates celebrity-featured articles on a variety of health topics. Below are some articles that might interest you.

Bill Weighs In on Eating Right for LifeWith renewed resolve, millions of American’s are once again chanting their annual January “Dâ€-word mantra, restricting their calories in a tortuous attempt to shed pounds. But “Body For Life†fitness guru Bill says their faith is misplaced.Interested? To read, click hereTerry Bradshaw’s Winning Drive Against DepressionWhether the Patriots or Panthers had won this year’s Super Bowl, some fans are bound to feel depressed. That’s something former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw understands all too well.Interested? To read, click hereMimi Won’t Gamble on VisionDuring her recent guest appearances on Las Vegas and Celebrity Poker Challenge, actress Mimi learned all about gambling. So when it came to correcting her near-sightedness, went ‘all in’ for a revolutionary new LASIK procedure.Interested? To read, click here

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Genetic Testing May Offer Additional Diagnostic Method

Does Vitamin D Help Protect Against MS?

Inspiration: The Many Faces of MS

This Month’s Recipe: Country-Style Breakfast Casserole

Bill Weighs In on Eating Right for Life

Terry Bradshaw’s Winning Drive Against Depression

Mimi Won’t Gamble on Vision

Just for Fun: February’s Word Jumble

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The Many Faces of MSFor this month’s inspiration, we offer a glimpse into the lives of four people who have all devised their own unique perspective on living with MS and, in the process, attracted media attention for their spirit and courage. From trekking across the United States to writing acclaimed poetry, these individuals demonstrate the power of human determination in the face of disease.The SurferThree years ago, Liz McReadie, now 28, lived to surf, thanks to the outstanding waves in her hometown of Santa Cruz, California. But that all changed when the former all-league soccer player began to develop the symptoms of MS in late 2001, including blurred vision and a staggering gait. A coma, a lengthy hospitalization, and a wheelchair would soon follow. But thanks to treatment with an immunomodulator drug, intensive physical therapy, and months of work with a trainer, Liz has found her footing on a surfboard again. “It was always a goal to surf again,†she says. Read more about Liz.The Billiards ProAfter Krolick began to experience MS symptoms in 1996, he relied on his lifelong love for billiards to distract himself from what was happening. “Playing pool became the only time I didn’t think about the illness,†he says. As it turns out, playing pool was also a new career opportunity. Today, the 49-year-old New Mexico resident travels the professional billiards circuit and credits his MS diagnosis as the catalyst to finally pursuing his dream. Read more about .The Poet LaureateThe newly appointed Poet Laureate of New Hampshire, Huntington, 52, doesn’t hesitate to use the pain and frustration of having MS to inspire her work. The Dartmouth professor’s latest collection, The Radiant, hits upon a number of difficult subjects, including sickness, suffering, and adultery. “Writing it was necessary,†she says of the catharsis she achieved. Today, MS may force her to work on a computer instead of writing longhand, but she’s off and running in her new post. Read more about . The Cross-Country TrekkerWhen Delbert was diagnosed with MS six years ago, he found himself depressed and unable to walk. But today the Wichita, Kansas, resident is preparing to embark on a 10-month, 14,000-mile bike trip across 48 states to raise awareness of MS. “This was my way of trying to reach out to [others with MS ] and let them know that anything is possible,†says Delbert, 50, who will use a motorized tricycle to complete his trek. Read more about Delbert.

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Wake up your loved one on Valentine’s Day with the savory aroma of a Country-Style Breakfast Casserole. Thanks to support group member HealingPyxe for submitting this month’s featured healthy recipe.Country-Style Breakfast Casserole Ingredients:Vegetable oil spray 8 ounces reduced-fat smoked link sausage 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 pounds frozen country-style hash browns (no oil added) 2 cups fat-free milk Egg substitute equivalent to 6 eggs 2 slices fat-free or low-fat American cheese1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons finely snipped green onion (green part only) - optional DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 13x9x2 baking pan with vegetable oil spray. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Saute sausage for 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned, turning occasionally. Wipe skillet with a paper towel. Add maple syrup and cook for one minute, stirring to coat sausage. Arrange in a single layer in baking pan, then top with hash browns. In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients except green onion. Pour over hash browns. Bake for one hour, or until center is set. Sprinkle with green onion and let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serves 10.TIP: If you prepare this casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic and refrigerate. Put the cold casserole in a cold oven, set the thermostat to 350 degrees and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. Proceed as above. Per Serving: Calories 184, Protein 14 g, Carbohydrates 25 g, Cholesterol 13 mg, Total Fat 3 gNote: Recipes have not been kitchen tested by Spotlight Health staff.

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The information contained in this newsletter is presented in summary form only and is intended to provide broad consumer understanding and general knowledge of healthcare topics. The information is not exhaustive and is not intended to cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions or their full treatment. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other health care provider promptly.

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