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Sun D, Tu L, Wang R, Shi Z, Zhou H. No causal link between age at menopause and multiple sclerosis onset and severity: a Mendelian randomization study. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1287-1290. [PMID: 37880454 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07145-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongren Sun
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liangdan Tu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ziyan Shi
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Ross L, Finlayson M, Amato MP, Cohen JA, Hellwig K, Tintore M, Vukusic S, Salter A, Marrie RA. Priority setting: women's health topics in multiple sclerosis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1355817. [PMID: 38440114 PMCID: PMC10910071 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1355817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A scoping review found that most studies on women's health in multiple sclerosis (MS) focused on pregnancy, fetal/neonatal outcomes and sexual dysfunction. Few studies addressed menopause, contraception, gynecologic cancers/cancer screening. However, the perceived relative importance of these knowledge gaps to people living with MS and other partners is unknown. We engaged a range of partners, including people living with MS, health care providers, researchers, and patient advocacy groups, to set priorities for future research in women's health in MS. Methods We employed a three-step global engagement process. First, we identified which broad research topics relevant to women's health in MS were of highest priority using two surveys. Second, we developed specific research questions within these topics using focus groups. Finally, we prioritized the research questions with a third survey. Results Overall, 5,266 individuals responded to the initial surveys [n = 1,430 global survey, mean (SD) age 50.0 (12.6), all continents; n = 3,836 North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis survey, mean (SD) age 64.8 (9.6), United States]. Menopause, sexual dysfunction, pregnancy, gynecologic cancer/cancer screening, hormones and parenthood were identified as the most important topics. Focus groups generated 80 potential research questions related to these topics. In the final survey 712 individuals prioritized these questions. The highest priority questions in each research topic were: (i) How do perimenopause and menopause affect disease activity, course, response to disease-modifying treatment and quality of life in MS; (ii) What are the most effective strategies for managing issues around sexual intimacy, including related to low sexual desire, changes in physical function, and MS symptoms; (iii) Are there long-term effects of disease-modifying therapies on the children of persons with MS; (iv) What are the short and long-term effects of disease-modifying drugs on gynecologic cancer risk, particularly for high efficacy disease-modifying drugs and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; (v) Are there hormone related treatments that can stabilize fluctuations in MS symptoms; and (vi) How does MS fatigue impact parenting strategies. Conclusion Priorities for research relating to women's health issues for persons with MS have been delineated using a collaborative process with key partners. Alignment of future research with these priorities should be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Ross
- Department of Neurology, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Marcia Finlayson
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carol Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Jeffrey Alan Cohen
- Department of Neurology, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Kerstin Hellwig
- Department of Neurology, Katholische Klinikum, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mar Tintore
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia, Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Vukusic
- Service de Neurologie, sclérose en plaques, pathologies de la myéline et neuro-inflammation-et Fondation Eugène Devic EDMUS pour la Sclérose en Plaques, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre des Neurosciences de Lyon, INSERM 1028 et CNRS UMR5292, Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaque, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Amber Salter
- Department of Neurology, Section on Statistical Planning and Analysis, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Department of Neurology, Section on Statistical Planning and Analysis, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Hsu S, Bove R. Hormonal Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis: a Review of Clinical Data. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:1-15. [PMID: 38102502 PMCID: PMC10774191 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01326-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Given the potential for exogenous hormones to influence risk and course of MS, this narrative review aims to summarize current knowledge from observational and interventional studies of exogenous hormones in humans with MS. RECENT FINDINGS Large randomized clinical trials for combined oral contraceptives and estriol both show modest effect on inflammatory activity, with the latter showing potential neuroprotective effect. After fertility treatment, large actively treated cohorts have not confirmed any elevated risk of relapse. Preclinical data suggest that androgens, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) may be neuroprotective but clinical data are lacking. Gender affirming treatment, particularly estrogen in trans-women, could possibly be associated with elevated risk of inflammation. For women with MS entering menopause, hormone therapy appears safe during the appropriate menopausal window, but its long-term effects on neuroprotection are unknown. Exogenous hormones, used in varied doses and for diverse indications, have variable effects on MS risk, inflammatory activity, and neuroprotection. Large randomized trials are needed before it is possible to determine the true effect of exogenous hormones in a condition as complex as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hsu
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Riley Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neuroscience, Division of Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Neyal N, Atkinson EJ, Smith CY, Weis DM, Rocca LG, Rocca WA, Kantarci K, Kantarci OH, Zeydan B. Smoking, early menopause and multiple sclerosis disease course. Climacteric 2023; 26:560-564. [PMID: 37387356 PMCID: PMC10756919 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2221381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS), and smoking and early menopause are related to poor outcomes in MS. Smoking is also associated with early menopause. To explore this intricate relationship between smoking status, age at menopause and disease course in MS, 137 women with MS and 396 age-matched controls were included in this case-control study. Age at menopause (median 49.0 vs. 50.0 years; p = 0.79) and smoking status (40.3% vs. 47.6%; p = 0.15) were similar among MS and control women. Relapsing MS onset was earlier in ever-smoker women with early menopause compared to the rest of the women (median 30.4 vs. 37.0 years; p = 0.02) and also compared to ever-smoker women with normal age at menopause (median 30.4 vs. 41.0 years; p = 0.008) and never-smoker women with early menopause (median 30.4 vs. 41.5 years; p = 0.004). Progressive MS onset was also earlier in ever-smoker women with early menopause compared to ever-smoker women with normal age at menopause (median 41.1 vs. 49.4 years; p = 0.05) and never-smoker women with early menopause (median 41.1 vs. 50.1 years; p = 0.12). Our results suggest that smoking and menopause associate with MS disease course, including the onset of relapsing and progressive MS in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Neyal
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiology, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Elizabeth J. Atkinson
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Carin Y. Smith
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Delana M. Weis
- Mayo Clinic, Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Walter A. Rocca
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic, Women’s Health Research Center, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Kejal Kantarci
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiology, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic, Women’s Health Research Center, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Orhun H. Kantarci
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic, Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Burcu Zeydan
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiology, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic, Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Rochester, MN, United States
- Mayo Clinic, Women’s Health Research Center, Rochester, MN, United States
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Morales-Rodriguez D, Anderson A, Nylander A, Hsu S, Singh J, Rowles W, Walsh CM, Braley TJ, Bove R. Well-being at midlife: Correlates of mental health in ambulatory menopausal women with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2023; 29:1493-1502. [PMID: 37715710 PMCID: PMC10580672 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231197056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A majority of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) are diagnosed prior to menopause, yet their experiences during this transition are not well characterized. OBJECTIVES To explore associations between mental health, sleep, and other quality of life metrics, and vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) in ambulatory, menopausal women with MS. METHODS A secondary analysis was performed of baseline data from two trials enrolling ambulatory peri/postmenopausal women with MS: NCT02710214 (N = 24, bothersome VMS) and NCT04002934 (ongoing, N = 35, myelin repair). Measures analyzed were 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36) (primary scale: general mental health), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index), VMS (daily diary, interference), mood (Center for Epidemiologist Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D)), walking impairment (timed 25-foot walk (T25FW)), and global disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)). RESULTS Participants' characteristics (N = 59) were: mean age 51.8 years (SD = 3.4), mean disease duration 11.3 years (SD = 7.6), median EDSS 3.0 (IQR = 2.0-4.0). Mental health was associated with better sleep quality (rho = -0.41, p = 0.019) and better mood (rho = -0.75, p < 0.001), but not with EDSS or T25FW (rho < 0.20, p > 0.10). Worse sleep quality also correlated with more frequent VMS (rho = 0.41, p = 0.02) and VMS interference (rho = 0.59, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that optimizing sleep quality, mood, and hot flash quantity/interference could substantially improve mental health in menopausal women with MS-and highlight an important care gap in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Morales-Rodriguez
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Annika Anderson
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa Nylander
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Hsu
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Singh
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Will Rowles
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christine M Walsh
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tiffany J Braley
- Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Clinical Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Riley Bove
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Shahraki Z, Rastkar M, Rastkar E, Mohammadifar M, Mohamadi A, Ghajarzadeh M. Impact of menopause on relapse rate and disability level in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS): a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:316. [PMID: 37667181 PMCID: PMC10476298 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03332-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menopause is a physiologic phase in women's lives. Findings regarding multiple sclerosis (MS) course through menopause are diverse. So, we designed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the impact of menopause on relapse rate, and disability status in women with MS. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and google scholar were systematically searched by two independent researchers on January 1st, 2023. They also evaluated conference abstracts, and references of the included studies. In addition, data regarding the total number of participants, name of the first author of the publication, publication year, country of origin, disease duration, disease type, annual relapse rate, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) before and after menopause were recorded. RESULTS A literature search revealed 1024 records. Twenty-one full texts were evaluated, and finally, four studies were included for meta-analysis. Mean ARR before menopause ranged between 0.21 and 0.37, and after menopause ranged between 0.13 and 0.08. The SMD of mean ARR ranged between - 1.04, and - 0.29, while the pooled SMD was estimated as -0.52(95% CI: -0.88, -0.15) (I2 = 73.6%, P = 0.02). The mean EDSS before menopause ranged between 1.5 and 2, and after menopause ranged between 2 and 3.1. The SMD of EDSS ranged between 0.46, and 0.71. The pooled SMD of EDSS change (after menopause-before menopause) estimated as 0.56(95% CI: 0.38, 0.73)(I2 = 0, P = 0.4). CONCLUSION The result of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that menopause can be associated with relapse rate reduction, unlike increase in disease-related disability in women with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohsen Rastkar
- Student's Scientific research center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Rastkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohammadifar
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Group (MSRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Mohamadi
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Group (MSRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Ghajarzadeh
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Group (MSRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Lorefice L, Fenu G, Fronza M, Murgia F, Frau J, Coghe G, Barracciu MA, Atzori L, Angioni S, Cocco E. Menopausal transition in multiple sclerosis: relationship with disease activity and brain volume measurements. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1251667. [PMID: 37602270 PMCID: PMC10434500 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1251667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent evidence has shown a significant association between menopause and multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. This study investigated the possible role of menopause in influencing MS from clinical and neuroradiological perspectives. Notably, the possible association between menopause and brain atrophy has been evaluated. Materials and methods This study included women with MS whose ages ranged from 45 to 55 years. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, and the reproductive phase was defined as non-menopausal or menopausal based on the final menstrual period. Thus, MS activity over the past year was reported as the annualised relapse rate (ARR), and MRI activity (defined as new T2 lesions and/or the presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions at the last MRI assessment in comparison with the MRI performed within the previous 12 months) were compared between non-menopausal women (non-MW) and menopausal women (MW). Volume measurements of the whole brain (WB), white matter (WM), grey matter (GM), and cortical GM were estimated using the SIENAX software, and the possible relationship with menopausal status was assessed by regression analysis. Results The study included 147 women with MS. Eighty-four (57.1%) were MW, with a mean age of 48.5 ± 4.3 years at menopause onset and a mean duration of menopause of 4.1 ± 1.1 years. When compared for ARR, MW reported a lower rate than the non-MW (ARR of 0.29 ± 0.4 vs. 0.52 ± 0.5; p < 0.01). MRI activity was observed in 13.1% of MW and 20.6% of non-MW (p = 0.03). Lower cortical GM volumes (578.1 ± 40.4 mL in MW vs. 596.9 ± 35.8 mL in non-MW; p < 0.01) have also been reported. Finally, multivariate analysis showed a significant association of lower ARR (p = 0.001) and cortical GM volume (p = 0.002) with menopausal status after correction for chronological age and other variables. Discussion Menopause may be an adverse prognostic factor of MS. Our preliminary results suggest that menopause may facilitate cortical GM atrophy, probably due to a decline in the neuroprotective effects of estrogen, with negative effects on MS evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lorefice
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Neurosciences, ARNAS Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marzia Fronza
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Murgia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jessica Frau
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Coghe
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Atzori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Angioni
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Bridge F, Butzkueven H, Van der Walt A, Jokubaitis VG. The impact of menopause on multiple sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103363. [PMID: 37230311 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Menopause, defined as the permanent cessation of ovarian function, represents a period of significant fluctuation in sex hormone concentrations. Sex hormones including oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone and anti-Mullerian hormone are thought have neuroinflammatory effects and are implicated in both neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. Sex hormones are thought to have a role in modifying clinical trajectory in multiple sclerosis (MS) throughout the lifespan. Multiple sclerosis predominantly effects women and is typically diagnosed early in a woman's reproductive life. Most women with MS will undergo menopause. Despite this, the effect of menopause on MS disease course remains unclear. This review examines the relationship between sex hormones and MS disease activity and clinical course, particularly around the time of menopause. It will consider the role of interventions such as exogenous hormone replacement therapy in modulating clinical outcomes in this period. Understanding the impact of menopause on multiple sclerosis is fundamental for delivering optimal care to women with MS as they age and will inform treatment decisions with the aim of minimising relapses, disease accrual and improving quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bridge
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anneke Van der Walt
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vilija G Jokubaitis
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lorefice L, D’Alterio MN, Firinu D, Fenu G, Cocco E. Impact of Menopause in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Current Perspectives. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:103-109. [PMID: 36721498 PMCID: PMC9884461 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s334719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the aging population, with a peak age-specific prevalence that is shifting beyond the age of 50, several women currently living with MS are very close to menopause. Menopause is usually characterized by several specific symptoms with adverse impacts on different aspects of a woman's quality of life, such as fatigue, and cognitive, mood and bladder disorders, which overlap with symptoms of MS. Generally, after this biological transition, women with MS appear to be subject to less inflammatory activity. However, several studies have reported an increase of disability accumulation after menopause, suggesting that it is a turning point to a more progressive phase of the disease. This may be attributable to the hormonal and immunological changes associated with menopause, with several effects on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration increasing due to the immunosenescence of aging. This review summarizes the hormonal and immunological changes associated with menopause, detailing the effects on MS symptoms, outcomes, and the aging process. Furthermore, possible interventions to improve patients' quality of life are evaluated. In fact, it is increasingly necessary to improve the global management of MS women, as well as their lives, at this multifaceted turning point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy,Correspondence: Lorena Lorefice, Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, Cagliari, 09126, Italy, Email
| | - Maurizio Nicola D’Alterio
- Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Davide Firinu
- Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Neurosciences, ARNAS Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Binaghi Hospital, ASL Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Graves JS, Krysko KM, Hua LH, Absinta M, Franklin RJM, Segal BM. Ageing and multiple sclerosis. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22:66-77. [PMID: 36216015 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The factor that is most relevant and strongly associated with the clinical course of multiple sclerosis is chronological age. Very young patients exclusively have relapsing remitting disease, whereas those with later onset disease face a more rapid development of permanent disability. For people with progressive multiple sclerosis, the poor response to current disease modifying therapies might be related to ageing in the immune system and CNS. Ageing is also associated with increased risks of side-effects caused by some multiple sclerosis therapies. Both somatic and reproductive ageing processes might contribute to development of progressive multiple sclerosis. Understanding the role of ageing in immune and neural cell function in patients with multiple sclerosis might be key to halting non-relapse-related progression. The growing literature on potential therapies that target senescent cells and ageing processes might provide effective strategies for remyelination and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Graves
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, San Diego VA Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Kristen M Krysko
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Le H Hua
- Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic, Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Martina Absinta
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Robin J M Franklin
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin M Segal
- Department of Neurology and the Neuroscience Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Otero-Romero S, Carbonell-Mirabent P, Midaglia L, Zuluaga M, Galán I, Cobo-Calvo A, Rio J, Arrambide G, Vidal-Jordana A, Castillo J, Rodríguez-Acevedo B, Comabella M, Rodríguez M, Tur C, Auger C, Rovira A, Sastre-Garriga J, Montalban X, Tintoré M. Oral contraceptives do not modify the risk of a second attack and disability accrual in a prospective cohort of women with a clinically isolated syndrome and early multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2022; 28:950-957. [PMID: 34841948 PMCID: PMC9024022 DOI: 10.1177/13524585211053001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether oral contraceptive (OC) use is associated with the risk of a second attack and disability accrual in women with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS Reproductive information from women included in the Barcelona CIS prospective cohort was collected through a self-reported cross-sectional survey. We examined the relationship of OC exposure with the risk of a second attack and confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale of 3.0 using multivariate Cox regression models, adjusted by age, topography of CIS, oligoclonal bands, baseline brain T2 lesions, body size at menarche, smoking, and disease-modifying treatment (DMT). OC and DMT exposures were considered as time-varying variables. Findings were confirmed with sensitivity analyses using propensity score models. RESULTS A total of 495 women were included, 389 (78.6%) referred to ever use OC and 341 (68.9%) started OC before the CIS. Exposure to OC was not associated with a second attack (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33-1.61) or disability accrual (aHR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.17-3.76). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. CONCLUSION OC use does not modify the risk of second attack or disability accrual in patients with CIS and early MS, once considered as a time-dependent exposure and adjusted by other potential confounders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Otero-Romero
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain/Servicio de Medicina Preventiva y Epidemiología, Antigua Escuela de Enfermeria, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Carbonell-Mirabent
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luciana Midaglia
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Zuluaga
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Galán
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alvaro Cobo-Calvo
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Rio
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Georgina Arrambide
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angela Vidal-Jordana
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Castillo
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Breogán Rodríguez-Acevedo
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Comabella
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Tur
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Auger
- Sección de Neuroradiologia, Servei de Radiologia, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Rovira
- Sección de Neuroradiologia, Servei de Radiologia, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Sastre-Garriga
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Montalban
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Tintoré
- Centro de Esclerosis Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Department of Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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McCombe PA. The role of sex and pregnancy in multiple sclerosis: what do we know and what should we do? Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:377-392. [PMID: 35354378 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2060079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is more prevalent in women than in men. The sex of the patient, and pregnancy, are reported to be associated with the clinical features of MS. The mechanism of this is unclear. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes data about sex differences in MS and the role of pregnancy. Possible mechanisms for the effects of sex and pregnancy are summarized, and practical suggestions for addressing these issues are provided. EXPERT OPINION There is considerable interdependence of the variables that are associated with MS. Men have a worse outcome of MS, and this could be due to the same factors that lead to greater incidence of neurodegenerative disease in men. The possible role of parity on the long-term outcome of MS is of interest. Future studies that look at the mechanisms of the effects of the sex of the patient on the outcome of MS are required. However, there are some actions that can be taken without further research. We can concentrate on public health measures that address the modifiable risk factors for MS and ensure that disease is controlled in women who intend to become pregnant and use appropriate disease modifying agents during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A McCombe
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia
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Miner AE, Graves JS. What telomeres teach us about MS. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 54:103084. [PMID: 34371369 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
While the precise mechanisms driving progressive forms of MS are not fully understood, patient age has clear impact on disease phenotype. The very young with MS have high relapse rates and virtually no progressive disease, whereas older patients tend to experience more rapid disability accumulation with few relapses. Defining a patient's biological age may offer more precision in determining the role of aging processes in MS phenotype and pathophysiology than just working with an individual's birthdate. The most well recognized measurement of an individual's "biological clock" is telomere length (TL). While TL may differ across tissue types in an individual, most cells TL correlate well with leukocyte TL (LTL), which is the most common biomarker used for aging. LTL has been associated with risk for aging related diseases and most recently with higher levels of disability and brain atrophy in people living with MS. LTL explains 15% of the overall association of chronological age with MS disability level. While LTL may be used just as a biomarker of overall somatic aging processes, triggering of the DNA damage response by telomere attrition leads to senescence pathways that are likely highly relevant to a chronic autoimmune disease. Considering reproductive aging factors, particularly ovarian aging in women, which correlates with LTL and oocyte telomere length, may complement measurements of somatic aging in understanding MS progression. The key to stopping non-relapse related progression in MS might lie in targeting pathways related to biological aging effects on the immune and nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalise E Miner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Jennifer S Graves
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA.
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