1
|
Lorefice L, Mellino P, Frau J, Coghe G, Fenu G, Cocco E. Ocrelizumab use in multiple sclerosis: a real-world experience in a changing therapeutic scenario. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:3951-3959. [PMID: 38472551 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07449-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION CD20-depleting therapies are a real milestone in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examined the ocrelizumab (OCR) use in patients with primary progressive (PP) and relapsing remitting (RR) MS, also evaluating the predictors of treatment response. METHODS Patients with MS treated with OCR between 2017 and 2022 were included, and OCR use trends examined. The patients' characteristics were assessed at baseline and after 24 months of OCR to assess the NEDA-3 status. RESULTS This study included 421 patients: 33 (7.9%) with PP and 388 (92.1%) with RR MS. Among these, 67 (17.3%) were naïve, while switchers from first- and second-line disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) were 199 (51.3%) and 122 (31.4%), respectively. An increasing trend in OCR use was reported. For six patients treated with rituximab, OCR was chosen to improve tolerability; for 390 switcher patients, the choice was due to ineffectiveness; and for 25, as an exit strategy from natalizumab due to JC virus positivity. NEDA-3 status was calculated for subjects exposed to 24 months of OCR and was achieved by 163/192 (84.9%) RR patients and 9/16 (56%) PP patients, with younger age (p = 0.048) and annualized relapse rate in the year previous to OCR (p = 0.005) emerging as determinants. For the 25 patients who switched to OCR after natalizumab, no clinical or MRI activity after 12 months was reported. CONCLUSION OCR has been confirmed to be a highly efficacious option for patients with PP and RR MS, even proving to be a valid exit strategy for natalizumab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Paolo Mellino
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jessica Frau
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Coghe
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fenu
- Department of Neurosciences, ARNAS Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cocco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Singer BA, Wray S, Gudesblatt M, Bumstead B, Ziemssen T, Bonnell A, Scaramozza M, Levin S, Shanmugasundaram M, Chen H, Mendoza JP, Lewin JB, Shankar SL. Lymphopenia is Not the Primary Therapeutic Mechanism of Diroximel Fumarate in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Subgroup Analyses of the EVOLVE-MS-1 Study. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:1273-1285. [PMID: 38935202 PMCID: PMC11263526 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00637-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In EVOLVE-MS-1 (NCT02634307), mean absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) on diroximel fumarate (DRF) declined from baseline by approximately 28% in year 1, then stabilized, similar to ALC decline observed with dimethyl fumarate (DMF). Prior studies reported that clinical efficacy of DMF was not substantially different in patients with and without lymphopenia. METHODS EVOLVE-MS-1-an open-label, 96-week, phase 3 study-assessed DRF safety and exploratory efficacy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. This study analyzes efficacy-related outcomes comparing (1) patients with lymphopenia (≥ 1 ALC below lower limit of normal [LLN]) and without (all ALCs ≥ LLN); (2) across quartiles stratified by week 96 ALC decline from baseline: Q1 (≥ 47% decline); Q2 (30% to < 47% decline); Q3 (12% to < 30% decline); Q4 (< 12% decline). RESULTS Baseline characteristics were similar between patients without (n = 593) and with lymphopenia (n = 452). At week 96, adjusted annualized relapse rate (ARR; 95% confidence interval) was 0.14 (0.11-0.17) without lymphopenia and 0.12 (0.09-0.15) with lymphopenia. Estimated proportions with 12-week confirmed disability progression (CDP12) at week 96 were 10.2% without and 9.3% with lymphopenia. When stratified by quartiles (Q1-Q4), ARR at week 96 was 0.11 (Q1), 0.09 (Q2), 0.13 (Q3), and 0.17 (Q4). Estimated proportions with CDP12 at week 96 were 9.6% (Q1), 10.2% (Q2), 5.7% (Q3), and 10.9% (Q4). At week 96, no evidence of disease activity was achieved by 47.2% (Q1), 47.8% (Q2), 45.4% (Q3), and 37.3% (Q4) of patients. CONCLUSION In DRF-treated patients in EVOLVE-MS-1, clinical and radiological measurements indicated reduced disease activity regardless of lymphopenia or magnitude of ALC decline from baseline; however, patients who had greater ALC declines appeared to have numerically lower ARR and higher proportions free from relapses and gadolinium-enhancing lesions compared with those with smallest decline. This supports prior evidence that, while lymphopenia may contribute to fumarate efficacy outcomes, it is not the primary mechanism of action. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02634307.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barry A Singer
- The MS Center for Innovations in Care, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sibyl Wray
- Hope Neurology MS Center, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Seth Levin
- Biogen, 225 Binney St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Hailu Chen
- Biogen, 225 Binney St., Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Censi ST, Mariani-Costantini R, Granzotto A, Tomassini V, Sensi SL. Endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis: A network-based etiopathogenic model. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 99:102392. [PMID: 38925481 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The present perspective article proposes an etiopathological model for multiple sclerosis pathogenesis and progression associated with the activation of human endogenous retroviruses. We reviewed preclinical, clinical, epidemiological, and evolutionary evidence indicating how the complex, multi-level interplay of genetic traits and environmental factors contributes to multiple sclerosis. We propose that endogenous retroviruses transactivation acts as a critical node in disease development. We also discuss the rationale for combined anti-retroviral therapy in multiple sclerosis as a disease-modifying therapeutic strategy. Finally, we propose that the immuno-pathogenic process triggered by endogenous retrovirus activation can be extended to aging and aging-related neurodegeneration. In this regard, endogenous retroviruses can be envisioned to act as epigenetic noise, favoring the proliferation of disorganized cellular subpopulations and accelerating system-specific "aging". Since inflammation and aging are two sides of the same coin (plastic dis-adaptation to external stimuli with system-specific degree of freedom), the two conditions may be epiphenomenal products of increased epigenomic entropy. Inflammation accelerates organ-specific aging, disrupting communication throughout critical systems of the body and producing symptoms. Overlapping neurological symptoms and syndromes may emerge from the activity of shared molecular networks that respond to endogenous retroviruses' reactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano T Censi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Renato Mariani-Costantini
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Valentina Tomassini
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy; Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Institute of Neurology, SS Annunziata Hospital, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lorefice L, Pitzalis M, Zoledziewska M. Intermittent and periodic fasting - Evidence and perspectives in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 88:105744. [PMID: 38914047 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disease characterized by great variability in clinical presentation, including the radiological features, and degree of disability. Both genetics and environment contribute to disease etiopathogenesis. Because MS is more common in Western countries, and diet has been proposed among the etiologic factors. However, based on the several studies published thus far, principally involving small cohorts, there is no described diet-protocol to be applied in clinical practice as a supplement to the standard immunomodulatory treatment of MS. Diet is an easily changeable factor thus the research on the diet importance in MS has been exploded in last years. Starting from the notions that diet can change lifespan and quality of life in general, and its improvement could be one of many contributing factors with effects on disease evolution, this review examines the evidence of the effects of intermittent fasting in a mouse model of MS; the evidence derived from clinical trials; and future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lorefice
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, ASL Cagliari, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Binaghi Hospital, University of Cagliari, via Is Guadazzonis 2, Cagliari 09126
| | - Maristella Pitzalis
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monserrato 09042, Sardinia, Italy
| | - Magdalena Zoledziewska
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), Monserrato 09042, Sardinia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Monif M, Sequeira RP, Muscat A, Stuckey S, Sanfilippo PG, Minh V, Loftus N, Voo V, Fazzolari K, Moss M, Maltby VE, Nguyen AL, Wesselingh R, Seery N, Nesbitt C, Baker J, Dwyer C, Taylor L, Rath L, Van der Walt A, Marriott M, Kalincik T, Lechner-Scott J, O'Brien TJ, Butzkueven H. CLADIN- CLADribine and INnate immune response in multiple sclerosis - A phase IV prospective study. Clin Immunol 2024; 265:110304. [PMID: 38964633 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Cladribine (Mavenclad®) is an oral treatment for relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), but its mechanism of action and its effects on innate immune responses in unknown. This study is a prospective Phase IV study of 41 patients with RRMS, and aims to investigate the mechanism of action of cladribine on peripheral monocytes, and its impact on the P2X7 receptor. There was a significant reduction in monocyte count in vivo at week 1 post cladribine administration, and the subset of cells being most impacted were the CD14lo CD16+ 'non-classical' monocytes. Of the 14 cytokines measured in serum, CCL2 levels increased at week 1. In vitro, cladrabine induced a reduction in P2X7R pore as well as channel activity. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism of action for cladribine. It calls for studying potential benefits of cladribine in progressive forms of MS and other neurodegenerative diseases where innate immune related inflammation is implicated in disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mastura Monif
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Richard P Sequeira
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrea Muscat
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sian Stuckey
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul G Sanfilippo
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Viet Minh
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Naomi Loftus
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Veronica Voo
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Melinda Moss
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vicki E Maltby
- John Hunter Hospital, Department of Neurology, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ai-Lan Nguyen
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robb Wesselingh
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nabil Seery
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cassie Nesbitt
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Barwon Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Josephine Baker
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Dwyer
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa Taylor
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise Rath
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anneke Van der Walt
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Marriott
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tomas Kalincik
- Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeannette Lechner-Scott
- John Hunter Hospital, Department of Neurology, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Scalfari A, Traboulsee A, Oh J, Airas L, Bittner S, Calabrese M, Garcia Dominguez JM, Granziera C, Greenberg B, Hellwig K, Illes Z, Lycke J, Popescu V, Bagnato F, Giovannoni G. Smouldering-Associated Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis: An International Consensus Statement on Definition, Biology, Clinical Implications, and Future Directions. Ann Neurol 2024. [PMID: 39051525 DOI: 10.1002/ana.27034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Despite therapeutic suppression of relapses, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients often experience subtle deterioration, which extends beyond the definition of "progression independent of relapsing activity." We propose the concept of smouldering-associated-worsening (SAW), encompassing physical and cognitive symptoms, resulting from smouldering pathological processes, which remain unmet therapeutic targets. We provide a consensus-based framework of possible pathological substrates and manifestations of smouldering MS, and we discuss clinical, radiological, and serum/cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for potentially monitoring SAW. Finally, we share considerations for optimizing disease surveillance and implications for clinical trials to promote the integration of smouldering MS into routine practice and future research efforts. ANN NEUROL 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Scalfari
- Center of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
| | | | - Jiwon Oh
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Laura Airas
- University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Stefan Bittner
- Department of Neurology, Focus Program Translational Neuroscience (FTN) and Immunotherapy (FZI), Rhine Main Neuroscience Network (Rmn2), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Cristina Granziera
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (THiNK) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology and MS Center, University Hospital Basel Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jan Lycke
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Veronica Popescu
- University MS Centre Pelt-Hasselt, Noorderhart Hospital, Belgium Hasselt University, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Francesca Bagnato
- Neuroimaging Unit, Neuroimmunology Division, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, VA Hospital, TN Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pfeuffer S, Wolff S, Aslan D, Rolfes L, Korsen M, Pawlitzki M, Albrecht P, Havla J, Huttner HB, Kleinschnitz C, Meuth SG, Pul R, Ruck T. Association of Clinical Relapses With Disease Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Older Than 50 Years. Neurology 2024; 103:e209574. [PMID: 38870471 PMCID: PMC11244741 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Relapse and MRI activity usually decline with aging but are replaced by progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). However, several older PwMS continue to experience clinical relapses, and the impact on their disease remains undetermined. We aimed to determine the impact of an index relapse on disease outcomes in patients older than 50 years and to identify risk factors of disadvantageous outcomes. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis from 3 prospective cohorts in Germany. We evaluated all PwMS 50 years and older with a relapse ≤60 days before a baseline visit and at least 18 months of follow-up compared with a control cohort of PwMS without a relapse. Patients were stratified according to age ("50-54" vs "55-59" vs "60+") or disease outcomes ("stable" vs "active" vs "progressive," according to the Lublin criteria). We analyzed relapses, MRI activity, relapse-associated worsening, and PIRA. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of specific baseline risk factors and treatment regimen changes with disease outcomes at month 18. RESULTS A total of 681 patients were included in the "relapse cohort" (50+: 361; 55+: 220; 60+: 100). The "control cohort" comprised 232 patients (50+: 117; 55+: 71; 60+: 44). Baseline epidemiologic parameters were balanced among cohorts and subgroups. We observed increased abundance of inflammatory activity and relapse-independent disability progression in the "relapse" vs "control" cohort. In the "relapse" cohort, we identified 273 patients as "stable" (59.7%), 114 patients as "active" (24.9%), and 70 patients as "progressive" (15.3%) during follow-up. Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and older age at baseline were identified as risk factors of progressive, whereas disease-modifying treatment (DMT) administration at baseline favored stable disease. DMT during follow-up was associated with stable over active, but not over progressive disease. DISCUSSION A relapse-suggesting underlying active disease-in PwMS older than 50 years was associated with continued disease activity and increased risk of PIRA. Presence of CVRF and absence of DMT at baseline appeared as risk factors of disadvantageous disease courses. An escalation of DMT switch was associated with stable over active but not progressive disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Pfeuffer
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Wolff
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Derya Aslan
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Leoni Rolfes
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Korsen
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Pawlitzki
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim Havla
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Hagen B Huttner
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Refik Pul
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- From the Department of Neurology (S.P., S.W., H.B.H.), University Hospital Giessen, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Department of Neurology (D.A., C.K., R.P.), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen; Department of Neurology (L.R., M.K., M.P., S.G.M., T.R.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; Department of Neurology (P.A.), Medical Faculty, Heinrich Department of Neurology, Maria-Hilf-Clinic, Mönchengladbach; and Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology (J.H.), LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hu Y, Frisell T, Alping P, Song H, Pawitan Y, Fang F, Piehl F. Hospital-Treated Infections and Risk of Disability Worsening in Multiple Sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38984615 DOI: 10.1002/ana.27026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between infections and disability worsening in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with either B-cell depleting therapy (rituximab) or interferon-beta/glatiramer acetate (IFN/GA). METHODS This cohort study spanned from 2000 to 2021, using data from the Swedish MS Registry linked to national health care registries, comprising 8,759 rituximab and 7,561 IFN/GA treatment episodes. The risk of hospital-treated infection was estimated using multivariable Cox models. The association between infections and increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores was assessed using a doubly robust generalized estimating equations model. Additionally, a piece-wise exponential model analyzed events of increased disability beyond defined cut-off values, controlling for relapses, and MRI activity. RESULTS Compared with IFN/GA, rituximab displayed increased risk of both inpatient- and outpatient-treated infections (hazard ratio [HR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-2.90 and HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13-1.67, respectively). An inpatient-treated infection was associated with a 0.19-unit increase in EDSS (95% CI, 0.12-0.26). Degree of worsening was greatest for progressive MS, and under IFN/GA treatment, which unlike rituximab, was more commonly associated with MRI activity. After controlling for relapses and MRI activity, inpatient-treated infections were associated with disability worsening in people with relapsing-remitting MS treated with IFN/GA (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.59-2.53), but not in those treated with rituximab. INTERPRETATION Compared to IFN/GA, rituximab doubled the infection risk, but reduced the risk of subsequent disability worsening. Further, the risk of worsening after hospital-treated infection was greater with progressive MS than with relapsing-remitting MS. Infection risk should be considered to improve long term outcomes. ANN NEUROL 2024.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Hu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisell
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Alping
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Huan Song
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yudi Pawitan
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Neurology, Academic Specialist Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Iaffaldano P, Lucisano G, Guerra T, Paolicelli D, Portaccio E, Inglese M, Foschi M, Patti F, Granella F, Romano S, Cavalla P, De Luca G, Gallo P, Bellantonio P, Gallo A, Montepietra S, Di Sapio A, Vianello M, Quatrale R, Spitaleri D, Clerici R, Torri Clerici V, Cocco E, Brescia Morra V, Marfia GA, Boccia VD, Filippi M, Amato MP, Trojano M. A comparison of natalizumab and ocrelizumab on disease progression in multiple sclerosis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024. [PMID: 38970214 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE No direct comparisons of the effect of natalizumab and ocrelizumab on progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) and relapse-associated worsening (RAW) events are currently available. We aimed to compare the risk of achieving first 6 months confirmed PIRA and RAW events and irreversible Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 4.0 and 6.0 in a cohort of naïve patients treated with natalizumab or ocrelizumab from the Italian Multiple Sclerosis Register. METHODS Patients with a first visit within 1 year from onset, treated with natalizumab or ocrelizumab, and ≥3 visits were extracted. Pairwise propensity score-matched analyses were performed. Risk of reaching the first PIRA, RAW, and EDSS 4.0 and 6.0 events were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to show cumulative probabilities of reaching outcomes. RESULTS In total, 770 subjects were included (natalizumab = 568; ocrelizumab = 212) and the propensity score-matching retrieved 195 pairs. No RAW events were found in natalizumab group and only 1 was reported in ocrelizumab group. A first PIRA event was reached by 23 natalizumab and 25 ocrelizumab exposed patients; 7 natalizumab- and 10 ocrelizumab-treated patients obtained an irreversible EDSS 4.0, while 13 natalizumab- and 15 ocrelizumab-treated patients reached an irreversible EDSS 6.0. No differences between the two groups were found in the risk (HR, 95%CI) of reaching a first PIRA (1.04, 0.59-1.84; p = 0.88) event, an irreversible EDSS 4.0 (1.23, 0.57-2.66; p = 0.60) and 6.0 (0.93, 0.32-2.68; p = 0.89). INTERPRETATION Both medications strongly suppress RAW events and, in the short term, the risk of achieving PIRA events, EDSS 4.0 and 6.0 milestones is not significantly different.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Iaffaldano
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucisano
- CORESEARCH - Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Pescara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Guerra
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Damiano Paolicelli
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Portaccio
- Department of Neurofarba, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica E Scienze Materno - Infantili (DINOGMI), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Neuroscience, Multiple Sclerosis Center-Neurology Unit, S. Maria delle Croci Hospital of Ravenna, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, 48121, Italy
| | - Francesco Patti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate, GF Ingrassia, Sez. Neuroscienze, Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Università di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Franco Granella
- Unit of Neurosciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Romano
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Cavalla
- Multiple Sclerosis Center and 1 Neurology Unit, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino via Cherasco 15, Torino, 10126, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Luca
- Centro Sclerosi Multipla, Clinica Neurologica, Policlinico SS. Annunziata, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Gallo
- Department of Neurosciences, Multiple Sclerosis Centre-Veneto Region (CeSMuV), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Bellantonio
- Unit of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Antonio Gallo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Montepietra
- Neurology Unit, Neuromotor and Rehabilitation Department, AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Sapio
- Regional Referral MS Center, Neurological Unit, Univ. Hospital San Luigi, Orbassano, Italy
| | | | - Rocco Quatrale
- Ambulatorio Sclerosi Multipla - Divisione di Neurologia, Ospedale dell'Angelo, Mestre, Italy
| | - Daniele Spitaleri
- Department of Neurology, AORN San G. Moscati di Avellino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Raffaella Clerici
- Centro ad Alta Specializzazione per la diagnosi e la cura della sclerosi multipla, Ospedale Generale di zona Valduce, Como, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora Cocco
- Department of Medical Science and Public Health, Centro Sclerosi Multipla, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Brescia Morra
- Department of Neuroscience (NSRO), Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Daniele Boccia
- Dipartimento Di Neuroscienze, Riabilitazione, Oftalmologia, Genetica E Scienze Materno - Infantili (DINOGMI), Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit and MS Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department of Neurofarba, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Trojano
- Department of Translational Biomedicines and Neurosciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Prapas P, Anagnostouli M. Macrophages and HLA-Class II Alleles in Multiple Sclerosis: Insights in Therapeutic Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7354. [PMID: 39000461 PMCID: PMC11242320 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Antigen presentation is a crucial mechanism that drives the T cell-mediated immune response and the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Genetic alterations within the highly variable Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHC II) have been proven to result in significant changes in the molecular basis of antigen presentation and the clinical course of patients with both Adult-Onset MS (AOMS) and Pediatric-Onset MS (POMS). Among the numerous polymorphisms of the Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA), within MHC II complex, HLA-DRB1*15:01 has been labeled, in Caucasian ethnic groups, as a high-risk allele for MS due to the ability of its structure to increase affinity to Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) epitopes. This characteristic, among others, in the context of the trimolecular complex or immunological synapsis, provides the foundation for autoimmunity triggered by environmental or endogenous factors. As with all professional antigen presenting cells, macrophages are characterized by the expression of MHC II and are often implicated in the formation of MS lesions. Increased presence of M1 macrophages in MS patients has been associated both with progression and onset of the disease, each involving separate but similar mechanisms. In this critical narrative review, we focus on macrophages, discussing how HLA genetic alterations can promote dysregulation of this population's homeostasis in the periphery and the Central Nervous System (CNS). We also explore the potential interconnection in observed pathological macrophage mechanisms and the function of the diverse structure of HLA alleles in neurodegenerative CNS, seen in MS, by comparing available clinical with molecular data through the prism of HLA-immunogenetics. Finally, we discuss available and experimental pharmacological approaches for MS targeting the trimolecular complex that are based on cell phenotype modulation and HLA genotype involvement and try to reveal fertile ground for the potential development of novel drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petros Prapas
- Research Immunogenetics Laboratory, First Department of Neurology, Aeginition University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Anagnostouli
- Research Immunogenetics Laboratory, First Department of Neurology, Aeginition University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vas. Sofias 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Diseases Unit, Center of Expertise for Rare Demyelinating and Autoimmune Diseases of CNS, First Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens NKUA, Aeginition University Hospital, Vas. Sofias 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Calabrese M, Preziosa P, Scalfari A, Colato E, Marastoni D, Absinta M, Battaglini M, De Stefano N, Di Filippo M, Hametner S, Howell OW, Inglese M, Lassmann H, Martin R, Nicholas R, Reynolds R, Rocca MA, Tamanti A, Vercellino M, Villar LM, Filippi M, Magliozzi R. Determinants and Biomarkers of Progression Independent of Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2024; 96:1-20. [PMID: 38568026 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Clinical, pathological, and imaging evidence in multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that a smoldering inflammatory activity is present from the earliest stages of the disease and underlies the progression of disability, which proceeds relentlessly and independently of clinical and radiological relapses (PIRA). The complex system of pathological events driving "chronic" worsening is likely linked with the early accumulation of compartmentalized inflammation within the central nervous system as well as insufficient repair phenomena and mitochondrial failure. These mechanisms are partially lesion-independent and differ from those causing clinical relapses and the formation of new focal demyelinating lesions; they lead to neuroaxonal dysfunction and death, myelin loss, glia alterations, and finally, a neuronal network dysfunction outweighing central nervous system (CNS) compensatory mechanisms. This review aims to provide an overview of the state of the art of neuropathological, immunological, and imaging knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the smoldering disease activity, focusing on possible early biomarkers and their translation into clinical practice. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:1-20.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Calabrese
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Preziosa
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Scalfari
- Centre of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Elisa Colato
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Damiano Marastoni
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Martina Absinta
- Translational Neuropathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglini
- Siena Imaging S.r.l., Siena, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Section of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Simon Hametner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Owain W Howell
- Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, UK
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Dipartimento di neuroscienze, riabilitazione, oftalmologia, genetica e scienze materno-infantili - DINOGMI, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hans Lassmann
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Martin
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Therapeutic Design Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Cellerys AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Richard Nicholas
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Burlington Danes, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Reynolds
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maria A Rocca
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Agnese Tamanti
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Vercellino
- Multiple Sclerosis Center & Neurologia I U, Department of Neuroscience, University Hospital AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa Maria Villar
- Department of Immunology, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital. IRYCIS. REI, Madrid, Spain
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Magliozzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Biomedicine and Movement, The Multiple Sclerosis Center of University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rosenstein I, Nordin A, Sabir H, Malmeström C, Blennow K, Axelsson M, Novakova L. Association of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein with progression independent of relapse activity in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4412-4422. [PMID: 38668889 PMCID: PMC11233378 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12389-y] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insidious disability worsening is a common feature in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Many patients experience progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) despite being treated with high efficacy disease-modifying therapies. We prospectively investigated associations of body-fluid and imaging biomarkers with PIRA. METHODS Patients with early RRMS (n = 104) were prospectively included and followed up for 60 months. All patients were newly diagnosed and previously untreated. PIRA was defined using a composite score including the expanded disability status scale, 9-hole peg test, timed 25 foot walk test, and the symbol digit modalities test. Eleven body fluid and imaging biomarkers were determined at baseline and levels of serum neurofilament light (sNfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) were also measured annually thereafter. Association of baseline biomarkers with PIRA was investigated in multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for clinical and demographic confounding factors. Longitudinal serum biomarker dynamics were investigated in mixed effects models. RESULTS Only sGFAP was significantly higher in PIRA at baseline (median [IQR] 73.9 [60.9-110.1] vs. 60.3 [45.2-79.9], p = 0.01). A cut-off of sGFAP > 65 pg/mL resulted in a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 61%, to detect patients at higher risk of PIRA. In a multivariable logistic regression, sGFAP > 65 pg/mL was associated with higher odds of developing PIRA (odds ratio 4.3, 95% CI 1.44-12.86, p = 0.009). Repeated measures of sGFAP levels showed that patients with PIRA during follow-up had higher levels of sGFAP along the whole follow-up compared to stable patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Determination of sGFAP at baseline and follow-up may be useful in capturing disability accrual independent of relapse activity in early RRMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igal Rosenstein
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 7, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.
| | - Anna Nordin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 7, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hemin Sabir
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Clas Malmeström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 7, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Paris Brain Institute, ICM, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, University of Science and Technology of China and First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Markus Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 7, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lenka Novakova
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Blå Stråket 7, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gavoille A, Rollot F, Casey R, Kerbrat A, Le Page E, Bigaut K, Mathey G, Michel L, Ciron J, Ruet A, Maillart E, Labauge P, Zephir H, Papeix C, Defer G, Lebrun-Frenay C, Moreau T, Berger E, Stankoff B, Clavelou P, Thouvenot E, Heinzlef O, Pelletier J, Al-Khedr A, Casez O, Bourre B, Cabre P, Wahab A, Magy L, Camdessanché JP, Doghri I, Moulin S, Ben-Nasr H, Labeyrie C, Hankiewicz K, Neau JP, Pottier C, Nifle C, Manchon E, Lapergue B, Wiertlewski S, De Sèze J, Vukusic S, Laplaud DA. Acute Clinical Events Identified as Relapses With Stable Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis. JAMA Neurol 2024:2820252. [PMID: 38949816 PMCID: PMC11217890 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Importance Understanding the association between clinically defined relapses and radiological activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) is essential for patient treatment and therapeutic development. Objective To investigate clinical events identified as relapses but not associated with new T2 lesions or gadolinium-enhanced T1 lesions on brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter observational cohort study was conducted between January 2015 and June 2023. Data were extracted on June 8, 2023, from the French MS registry. All clinical events reported as relapses in patients with relapsing-remitting MS were included if brain and spinal cord MRI was performed within 12 and 24 months before the event, respectively, and 50 days thereafter with gadolinium injection. Exposures Events were classified as relapses with active MRI (RAM) if a new T2 lesion or gadolinium-enhanced T1 lesion appeared on brain or spinal cord MRI or as acute clinical events with stable MRI (ACES) otherwise. Main Outcomes and Measures Factors associated with ACES were investigated; patients with ACES and RAM were compared regarding Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) course, relapse rate, confirmed disability accrual (CDA), relapse-associated worsening (RAW), progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA), and transition to secondary progressive (SP) MS, and ACES and RAM rates under each disease-modifying therapy (DMT) were estimated. Results Among 31 885 clinical events, 637 in 608 patients (493 [77.4%] female; mean [SD] age, 35.8 [10.7] years) were included. ACES accounted for 166 (26.1%) events and were more likely in patients receiving highly effective DMTs, those with longer disease duration (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07), or those presenting with fatigue (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.15-3.96). ACES were associated with significant EDSS score increases, lower than those found for RAM. Before the index event, patients with ACES experienced significantly higher rates of relapse (relative rate [RR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.01-1.46), CDA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.13-2.11), and RAW (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.20-2.45). Patients with ACES were at significantly greater risk of SP transition (HR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.02-6.51). Although RAM rate decreased with DMTs according to their expected efficacy, ACES rate was stable across DMTs. Conclusions and Relevance The findings in this study introduce the concept of ACES in MS, which accounted for one-fourth of clinical events identified as relapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Gavoille
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Neurologie, sclérose en plaques, pathologies de la myéline et neuro-inflammation, Bron, France
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive UMR 5558, Villeurbanne, France
- Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Rollot
- Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Romain Casey
- Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Kerbrat
- CHU Pontchaillou, CIC1414 l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Le Page
- CHU Pontchaillou, CIC1414 l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Rennes, France
| | - Kevin Bigaut
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Investigation Center, CHU de Strasbourg, CIC1434, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1434, Strasbourg, France
| | - Guillaume Mathey
- Department of Neurology, Nancy University Hospital, Nancy, France. Université de Lorraine, APEMAC, Nancy, France
| | - Laure Michel
- CHU Pontchaillou, CIC1414 l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Rennes, France
| | - Jonathan Ciron
- Department of Neurology, CHU de Toulouse, CRC-SEP, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
- Université Toulouse III, Infinity, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR1291 - CNRS UMR 5051, Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Aurelie Ruet
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux University, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elisabeth Maillart
- Département de neurologie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, APHP, Paris, Centre de Ressources et de Compétences SEP, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Labauge
- CHU de Montpellier, MS Unit, Montpellier Cedex 5, France
- University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Zephir
- CHU Lille, CRC-SEP Lille, Univ Lille, U1172, Lille, France
| | - Caroline Papeix
- Department of Neurology, Fondation Rothschild, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Defer
- Department of Neurology, CHU de Caen, MS expert centre, avenue de la Côte-de-Nacre, Normandy University, Caen, France
| | - Christine Lebrun-Frenay
- Neurology, UR2CA_URRIS, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pasteur2, Université Nice Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Thibault Moreau
- Department of Neurology, CHU de Dijon, EA4184, Dijon, France
| | - Eric Berger
- CHU de Besançon, Service de Neurologie Besançon, France
| | - Bruno Stankoff
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Paris 06, Brain and Spine Institute, ICM, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR S 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, and Department of Neurology, AP-HP, Saint-Antoine hospital, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Clavelou
- Department of Neurology, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Université Clermont Auvergne, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Neuro-Dol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Thouvenot
- Université Clermont Auvergne, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, Neuro-Dol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Department of Neurology, Nimes University Hospital, Nimes Cedex 9, France
| | | | - Jean Pelletier
- Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Pôle de Neurosciences Cliniques, Service de Neurologie, Marseille, France
| | | | - Olivier Casez
- Department of Neurology, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Neurology MS Clinic Grenoble, Grenoble Alpes university hospital, Grenoble, La Tronche, France
- T-RAIG, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble Alpes University, France
| | | | - Philippe Cabre
- Department of Neurology, CHU de la Martinique, Fort-de-France, France
| | - Abir Wahab
- Department of Neurology, APHP, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - Laurent Magy
- Department of Neurology, CHU de Limoges, Hôpital Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | | | - Inès Doghri
- Department of Neurology, and CHU de Tours, Hôpital Bretonneau, CRC-SEP Tours, France
| | - Solène Moulin
- Department of Neurology, CHU de Reims, CRC-SEP, F-51092 Reims Cedex, France
| | - Haifa Ben-Nasr
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Sud Francilien, Corbeil Essonnes, France
| | - Céline Labeyrie
- Department of Neurology, CHU Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Karolina Hankiewicz
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Pierre Delafontaine, Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Neau
- Department of Neurology, CHU la Milétrie, Hôpital Jean Bernard, Poitiers, France
| | - Corinne Pottier
- Department of Neurology, CH de Pontoise, Hôpital René Dubos, Pontoise, France
| | - Chantal Nifle
- Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Eric Manchon
- Department of Neurology, CH de Gonesse, Gonesse, France
| | | | - Sandrine Wiertlewski
- Nantes Université, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, CHU de Nantes, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, CIC l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1413, Service de Neurologie, Nantes, France
| | - Jérôme De Sèze
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Investigation Center, CHU de Strasbourg, CIC1434, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1434, Strasbourg, France
| | - Sandra Vukusic
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Neurologie, sclérose en plaques, pathologies de la myéline et neuro-inflammation, Bron, France
- Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1028 et CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- EDMUS Foundation Against Multiple Sclerosis Bron Cedex, France
| | - David Axel Laplaud
- Nantes Université, l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale, CHU de Nantes, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, CIC l'Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale 1413, Service de Neurologie, Nantes, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gruchot J, Reiche L, Werner L, Herrero F, Schira-Heinen J, Meyer U, Küry P. Molecular dissection of HERV-W dependent microglial- and astroglial cell polarization. Microbes Infect 2024:105382. [PMID: 38944109 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105382] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) is a human-specific entity, which was initially discovered in multiple sclerosis (MS) patient derived cells. We initially found that the HERV-W envelope (ENV) protein negatively affects oligodendrogenesis and controls microglial cell polarization towards a myelinated axon associated and damaging phenotype. Such first functional assessments were conducted ex vivo, given the human-specific origin of HERV-W. Recent experimental evidence gathered on a novel transgenic mouse model, mimicking activation and expression of the HERV-W ENV protein, revealed that all glial cell types are impacted and that cellular fates, differentiation, and functions were changed. In order to identify HERV-W-specific signatures in glial cells, the current study analyzed the transcriptome of ENV protein stimulated microglial- and astroglial cells and compared the transcriptomic signatures to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated cells, owing to the fact that both ligands can activate toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). Additionally, a comparison between published disease associated glial signatures and the transcriptome of HERV-W ENV stimulated glial cells was conducted. We, therefore, provide here for the first time a detailed molecular description of specific HERV-W ENV evoked effects on those glial cell populations that are involved in smoldering neuroinflammatory processes relevant for progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Reiche
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Luisa Werner
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felisa Herrero
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Vetsuisse, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Schira-Heinen
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zürich, Vetsuisse, Zürich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zürich, University of Zürich and ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Küry
- Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Department of Neurology, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dominguez-Mozo MI, Galán V, Ramió-Torrentà L, Quiroga A, Quintana E, Villar LM, Costa-Frossard L, Fernández-Velasco JI, Villarrubia N, Garcia-Martinez MA, Arroyo R, Alvarez-Lafuente R. A two-years real-word study with fingolimod: early predictors of efficacy and an association between EBNA-1 IgG titers and multiple sclerosis progression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384411. [PMID: 38911861 PMCID: PMC11190074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although fingolimod, a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor agonist, has shown to be an effective treatment reducing relapse rate and also slowing down the disability progression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, it is important to quickly identify those suboptimal responders. Objective The main objective was to assess different clinical, radiological, genetic and environmental factors as possible early predictors of response in MS patients treated with fingolimod for 24 months. The secondary objective was to analyze the possible contribution of the environmental factors analyzed to the progression and activity of the disease along the 2-years of follow-up. Methods A retrospective study with 151 patients diagnosed with MS, under fingolimod treatment for 24 months, with serum samples at initiation and six months later, and with clinical and radiological data at initiation and 24 months later, were included in the study. Clinical and radiological variables were collected to establish NEDA-3 (no evidence of disease activity: patients without relapses, disability progression and new T2 lesions or Gd+ lesions) and EDA (evidence of disease activity: patients with relapses and/or progression and/or new T2 lesions or gadolinium-positive [Gd+] lesions) conditions. Human leukocyte antigen II (HLA-II), EBNA-1 IgG and VCA IgG from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and antibody titers against Human herpesvirus 6A/B (HHV-6A/B) were also analyzed. Results A total of 151 MS patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 27.8% was NEDA-3 (37.5% among those previously treated with high efficacy therapies >24 months). The following early predictors were statistically significantly associated with NEDA-3 condition: sex (male; p=0.002), age at baseline (older; p=0.009), relapses 2-years before fingolimod initiation ≤1 (p=0.010), and absence of Gd+ lesions at baseline (p=0.006). Regarding the possible contribution of the environmental factors included in the study to the activity or the progression of the disease, we only found that EBNA-1 IgG titers decreased in 20.0% of PIRA (progression independent from relapse activity) patients vs. 73.3% of RAW (relapse-associated worsening) patients (p=0.006; O.R. = 11.0). Conclusion MS patients that are male, older, and with a low clinical and radiological activity at fingolimod initiation have a greater probability to reach NEDA-3 condition after two years with this therapy. An intriguing association of EBV with the progression of the disease has also been described, but it should be further study in a larger cohort to confirm these results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Inmaculada Dominguez-Mozo
- Grupo de Investigación de Factores Ambientales en Enfermedades Degenerativas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Galán
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de Toledo, Toledo, Spain
| | - Lluís Ramió-Torrentà
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Doctor Josep Trueta University Hospital and Santa Caterina Hospital, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Girona, Spain
| | - Ana Quiroga
- Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit (UNIEM), Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Girona, Spain
| | - E. Quintana
- Girona Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit (UNIEM), Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Luisa María Villar
- Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucienne Costa-Frossard
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Noelia Villarrubia
- Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Angel Garcia-Martinez
- Grupo de Investigación de Factores Ambientales en Enfermedades Degenerativas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Arroyo
- Departamento de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud Madrid, Red Española de Esclerosis Múltiple (REEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Alvarez-Lafuente
- Grupo de Investigación de Factores Ambientales en Enfermedades Degenerativas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Red de Enfermedades Inflamatorias (REI), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Krieger S, Cook K, Hersh CM. Understanding multiple sclerosis as a disease spectrum: above and below the clinical threshold. Curr Opin Neurol 2024; 37:189-201. [PMID: 38535979 PMCID: PMC11064902 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Research in multiple sclerosis (MS) has long been predicated on clinical groupings that do not reflect the underlying biologic heterogeneity apparent within patient populations. This review explicates the various levels of explanation through which the spectrum of disease is described and investigated both above and below the clinical threshold of detection, as framed by the topographical model of MS, to help advance a cogent mechanistic framework. RECENT FINDINGS Contemporary evidence has amended the view of MS as consisting of sequential disease phases in favor of a spectrum of disease with an admixture of interdependent and dynamic pathobiological axes driving tissue injury and progression. Recent studies have shown the presence of acute and compartmentalized inflammation and mechanisms of neurodegeneration beginning early and evolving throughout the disease continuum. Still, the gap between the understanding of immunopathologic processes in MS and the tools used to measure relevant molecular, laboratory, radiologic, and clinical metrics needs attention to enable better prognostication of disease and monitoring for changes along specific pathologic axes and variable treatment outcomes. SUMMARY Aligning on a consistently-applied mechanistic framework at distinct levels of explanation will enable greater precision across bench and clinical research, and inform discourse on drivers of disability progression and delivery of care for individuals with MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Krieger
- Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | - Karin Cook
- Medical Education Director, Neurology at Heartbeat/Publicis Health, New York
| | - Carrie M. Hersh
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Leussink VI, Jankovic M, Groth M, Schuh K, Sauerbeck IS, Hoffmann O. Addition of quantitative MRI to the routine clinical care of patients with multiple sclerosis-Results from the MAGNON project. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3548. [PMID: 38841819 PMCID: PMC11154816 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The revised Lublin classification offers a framework for categorizing multiple sclerosis (MS) according to the clinical course and imaging results. Diagnosis of secondary progressive MS (SPMS) is often delayed by a period of uncertainty. Several quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) markers are associated with progressive disease states, but they are not usually available in clinical practice. METHODS The MAGNON project enrolled 629 patients (early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), n = 51; RRMS with suspected SPMS, n = 386; SPMS, n = 192) at 55 centers in Germany. Routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at baseline and after 12 months were analyzed using a centralized automatic processing pipeline to quantify lesions and normalized brain and thalamic volume. Clinical measures included relapse activity, disability, and MS phenotyping. Neurologists completed questionnaires before and after receiving the qMRI reports. RESULTS According to the physicians' reports, qMRI results changed their assessment of the patient in 31.8% (baseline scan) and 27.6% (follow-up scan). For ∼50% of patients with RRMS with suspected SPMS, reports provided additional information that the patient was transitioning to SPMS. In >25% of all patients, this information influenced the physicians' assessment of the patient's current phenotype. However, actual changes of treatment were reported only in a minority of these patients. CONCLUSIONS The MAGNON results suggest that standardized qMRI reports may be integrated into the routine clinical care of MS patients and support the application of the Lublin classification as well as treatment decisions. The highest impact was reported in patients with suspected SPMS, indicating a potential to reduce diagnostic uncertainty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marie Groth
- Clinical Research NeuroscienceNovartis Pharma GmbHNurembergGermany
| | - Katrin Schuh
- Clinical Research NeuroscienceNovartis Pharma GmbHNurembergGermany
| | | | - Olaf Hoffmann
- St. Josefs‐Krankenhaus Potsdam‐SanssouciPotsdamGermany
- Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor FontaneNeuruppinGermany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Singer BA, Feng J, Chiong-Rivero H. Early use of high-efficacy therapies in multiple sclerosis in the United States: benefits, barriers, and strategies for encouraging adoption. J Neurol 2024; 271:3116-3130. [PMID: 38615277 PMCID: PMC11136864 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12305-4] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by progressive neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration from disease onset that, if left untreated, can result in the accumulation of irreversible neurological disability. Early intervention with high-efficacy therapies (HETs) is increasingly recognized as the best strategy to delay or mitigate disease progression from the earliest stages of the disease and to prevent long-term neurodegeneration. Although there is growing clinical and real-world evidence supporting early HET intervention, foregoing this strategy in favor of a traditional escalation approach prioritizing lower-efficacy disease-modifying therapies remains a common approach in clinical practice. This review explores potential health care professional- and patient-related barriers to the early use of HETs in patients with MS in the United States. Barriers can include regulatory and reimbursement restrictions; knowledge gaps and long-term safety concerns among health care professionals; and various individual, cultural, and societal factors affecting patients. Potential strategies for overcoming these barriers and encouraging early HET use are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barry A Singer
- The MS Center for Innovations in Care, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Jenny Feng
- Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Meng D, Sacco R, Disanto G, Widmer F, Jacober SLS, Gobbi C, Zecca C. Memory B cell-guided extended interval dosing of ocrelizumab in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2024; 30:857-867. [PMID: 38767224 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241250199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocrelizumab (OCR) is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting and primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized OCR extended interval dosing (EID), after switching from standard interval dosing (SID). METHODS This was a retrospective, observational, single-centre study including MS patients regularly followed at the Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland. After a cumulative OCR dose ⩾1200 mg, stable patients were switched to EID (OCR infusions following CD19+ 27+ memory B cell repopulation). RESULTS A total of 128 patients were included in the study, and 113 (88.3%) were switched to EID with a median interval of 9.9 (8.8-11.8) months between infusions. No clinical relapses occurred; 2 (1.8%) patients experienced disability worsening. Three (2.7%) and 2 (1.8%) patients experienced new T2 brain and spinal lesions, respectively. There was a mild decrease in IgG and IgM concentrations during both SID and EID OCR regimens (β = -0.23, p = 0.001 and β = -0.07, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Switch to personalized dosing of OCR based on CD19+ 27+ memory B cell repopulation led to a great extension of the interval between infusions, with maintained clinical and radiological efficacy. Given the potential advantages in terms of safety and health costs, EID OCR regimens should be further investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delania Meng
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Rosaria Sacco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Giulio Disanto
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Fausto Widmer
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Lena Susanna Jacober
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Gobbi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Zecca
- Multiple Sclerosis Center (MSC), Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland (NSI), Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kvistad CE, Kråkenes T, Gavasso S, Bø L. Neural regeneration in the human central nervous system-from understanding the underlying mechanisms to developing treatments. Where do we stand today? Front Neurol 2024; 15:1398089. [PMID: 38803647 PMCID: PMC11129638 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1398089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mature neurons in the human central nervous system (CNS) fail to regenerate after injuries. This is a common denominator across different aetiologies, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and ischemic stroke. The lack of regeneration leads to permanent functional deficits with a substantial impact on patient quality of life, representing a significant socioeconomic burden worldwide. Great efforts have been made to decipher the responsible mechanisms and we now know that potent intra- and extracellular barriers prevent axonal repair. This knowledge has resulted in numerous clinical trials, aiming to promote neuroregeneration through different approaches. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the causes to the poor regeneration within the human CNS. We also review the results of the treatment attempts that have been translated into clinical trials so far.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Torbjørn Kråkenes
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sonia Gavasso
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Bø
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Elkjaer ML, Hartebrodt A, Oubounyt M, Weber A, Vitved L, Reynolds R, Thomassen M, Rottger R, Baumbach J, Illes Z. Single-Cell Multi-Omics Map of Cell Type-Specific Mechanistic Drivers of Multiple Sclerosis Lesions. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2024; 11:e200213. [PMID: 38564686 PMCID: PMC11073880 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), compartmentalized inflammation plays a pivotal role in the complex pathology of tissue damage. The interplay between epigenetic regulation, transcriptional modifications, and location-specific alterations within white matter (WM) lesions at the single-cell level remains underexplored. METHODS We examined intracellular and intercellular pathways in the MS brain WM using a novel dataset obtained by integrated single-cell multi-omics techniques from 3 active lesions, 3 chronic active lesions, 3 remyelinating lesions, and 3 control WM of 6 patients with progressive MS and 3 non-neurologic controls. Single-nucleus RNA-seq and ATAC-seq were combined and additionally enriched with newly conducted spatial transcriptomics from 1 chronic active lesion. Functional gene modules were then validated in our previously published bulk tissue transcriptome data obtained from 73 WM lesions of patients with progressive MS and 25 WM of non-neurologic disease controls. RESULTS Our analysis uncovered an MS-specific oligodendrocyte genetic signature influenced by the KLF/SP gene family. This modulation has potential associations with the autocrine iron uptake signaling observed in transcripts of transferrin and its receptor LRP2. In addition, an inflammatory profile emerged within these oligodendrocytes. We observed unique cellular endophenotypes both at the periphery and within the chronic active lesion. These include a distinct metabolic astrocyte phenotype, the importance of FGF signaling among astrocytes and neurons, and a notable enrichment of mitochondrial genes at the lesion edge populated predominantly by astrocytes. Our study also identified B-cell coexpression networks indicating different functional B-cell subsets with differential location and specific tendencies toward certain lesion types. DISCUSSION The use of single-cell multi-omics has offered a detailed perspective into the cellular dynamics and interactions in MS. These nuanced findings might pave the way for deeper insights into lesion pathogenesis in progressive MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Elkjaer
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne Hartebrodt
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mhaned Oubounyt
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anna Weber
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Vitved
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Richard Reynolds
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Thomassen
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Richard Rottger
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jan Baumbach
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Zsolt Illes
- From the Department of Neurology (M.L.E., A.W., Z.I.), Odense University Hospital; BRIDGE (M.L.E., A.W., M.T., Z.I.), Department of Clinical Research; Department of Molecular Medicine (M.L.E., A.W., L.V., Z.I.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Biomedical Network Science Lab (A.H.), Department Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany; Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (A.H., Richard Rottger, J.B.), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Institute for Computational Systems Biology (M.O., J.B.), University of Hamburg, Germany; Department of Brain Sciences (Richard Reynolds), Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; and Clinical Genome Center (M.T.), Research Unit of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sørensen PS, Bramow S, Magyari M, Werdelin L, Koch-Henriksen N, Vermersch P, Sellebjerg F. Torben Fog - A Danish pioneer in a multi-faceted spectrum of multiple sclerosis research. Mult Scler 2024; 30:623-629. [PMID: 38523325 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241239506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Torben Fog was committed to multiple sclerosis (MS) research for more than four decades, starting before the defence of his thesis in 1948 and lasting until his death in 1987. His research was multi-facetted, making him one of the great pioneers in the study of essential parts of the pathology, immunology and treatment of MS. He has contributed with meticulous studies of the MS plaques, documenting the perivenous distribution of plaques in the spinal cord. He constructed a scoring system for the disability in MS and used a computer programme to calculate a total neurological deficit. Together with his co-workers, Fog in 1972 was the first to report the association between MS and the human leukocyte antigen system. Fog can be considered as the father of immunomodulatory therapy in MS, treating MS patients with the first transfer factor, and as early as 1980, he was the first to treat MS with intramuscular natural interferon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Per Soelberg Sørensen
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark/Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stephan Bramow
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Melinda Magyari
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark/The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark/Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Nils Koch-Henriksen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Patrick Vermersch
- Univ. Lille, Inserm U1172 LIlNCog, CHU Lille, FHU Precise, Lille, France
| | - Finn Sellebjerg
- Danish Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark/Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Alroughani R, Al-Hashel J, Ahmed SF. Substantial and comparable suppression of disease activity following early initiation of cladribine tablets, ocrelizumab or alemtuzumab as first pharmacologic treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis: A real world study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2024; 240:108249. [PMID: 38513425 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2024.108249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We describe the efficacy and safety of recent high efficacy disease DMTs in DMT-naive patients with highly active RMS. METHODS This was a retrospective, cross sectional study from the Kuwait national MS registry. Patients with RMS who received alemtuzumab, cladribine tablets or ocrelizumab as their first DMT for RMS, with ≥2 year of follow up were included. The primary endpoint was the change in relapse rate from treatment initiation to 1 year; changes in disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]), radiologic activity, the proportion with no evidence of disease activity-3 (NEDA-3), and the frequency of adverse events were secondary endpoints. RESULTS Among 123 RRMS patients, 59 received ocrelizumab, 32 received cladribine tablets and 32 received alemtuzumab. About two-thirds (65%) were women. Substantial and similar (p>0.05) reductions occurred at the end of follow-up in annual relapse rate (by 93.2% for ocrelizumab, 87.5% for cladribine tablets, and 90.6% for alemtuzumab). The proportion with new T2 of gadolinium-enhancing MRI lesions across the three groups was reduced from 85-100% to 7-13%. Rates of confirmed disability progression were low (ocrelizumab 6.9%, cladribine tablets 3.1%, alemtuzumab 0%; p=0.280); disability was reduced in 15%, 22% and 38%, respectively. NEDA-3 was observed in 89.8%, 87.5%, and 84.4, respectively (p=0.784). No new or unexpected safety issues occurred. CONCLUSION Ocrelizumab, cladribine tablets and alemtuzumab reduced relapse rates and MRI activity, and prevented disease progression, when are initiated early in DMT-naive RMS patients. These data support the early use of high-efficacy DMTs for people with highly active RMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasem Al-Hashel
- Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Safat, Kuwait; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Samar Farouk Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Ibn Sina Hospital, Safat, Kuwait; Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Minia University, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bachmann H, Vandemoortele B, Vermeirssen V, Carrette E, Vonck K, Boon P, Raedt R, Laureys G. Vagus nerve stimulation enhances remyelination and decreases innate neuroinflammation in lysolecithin-induced demyelination. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:575-587. [PMID: 38648972 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) poorly address chronic innate neuroinflammation nor do they offer effective remyelination. The vagus nerve has a strong regulatory role in inflammation and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) has potential to affect both neuroinflammation and remyelination in MS. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of VNS on demyelination and innate neuroinflammation in a validated MS rodent model. METHODS Lysolecithin (LPC) was injected in the corpus callosum (CC) of 46 Lewis rats, inducing a demyelinated lesion. 33/46 rats received continuously-cycled VNS (cVNS) or one-minute per day VNS (1minVNS) or sham VNS from 2 days before LPC-injection until perfusion at 3 days post-injection (dpi) (corresponding with a demyelinated lesion with peak inflammation). 13/46 rats received cVNS or sham from 2 days before LPC-injection until perfusion at 11 dpi (corresponding with a partial remyelinated lesion). Immunohistochemistry and proteomics analyses were performed to investigate the extend of demyelination and inflammation. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry showed that cVNS significantly reduced microglial and astrocytic activation in the lesion and lesion border, and significantly reduced the Olig2+ cell count at 3 dpi. Furthermore, cVNS significantly improved remyelination with 57.4 % versus sham at 11 dpi. Proteomic gene set enrichment analyses showed increased activation of (glutamatergic) synapse pathways in cVNS versus sham, most pronounced at 3 dpi. CONCLUSION cVNS improved remyelination of an LPC-induced lesion. Possible mechanisms might include modulation of microglia and astrocyte activity, increased (glutamatergic) synapses and enhanced oligodendrocyte clearance after initial injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Bachmann
- Ghent University, 4 Brain, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium.
| | - Boris Vandemoortele
- Laboratory for Computational Biology, Integromics and Gene Regulation (CBIGR), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Vermeirssen
- Laboratory for Computational Biology, Integromics and Gene Regulation (CBIGR), Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Carrette
- Ghent University, 4 Brain, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Kristl Vonck
- Ghent University, 4 Brain, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Paul Boon
- Ghent University, 4 Brain, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Robrecht Raedt
- Ghent University, 4 Brain, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| | - Guy Laureys
- Ghent University, 4 Brain, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Airas L, Bermel RA, Chitnis T, Hartung HP, Nakahara J, Stuve O, Williams MJ, Kieseier BC, Wiendl H. A review of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors in multiple sclerosis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241233041. [PMID: 38638671 PMCID: PMC11025433 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241233041] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are an emerging class of therapeutics in multiple sclerosis (MS). BTK is expressed in B-cells and myeloid cells, key progenitors of which include dendritic cells, microglia and macrophages, integral effectors of MS pathogenesis, along with mast cells, establishing the relevance of BTK inhibitors to diverse autoimmune conditions. First-generation BTK inhibitors are currently utilized in the treatment of B-cell malignancies and show efficacy in B-cell modulation. B-cell depleting therapies have shown success as disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in MS, highlighting the potential of BTK inhibitors for this indication; however, first-generation BTK inhibitors exhibit a challenging safety profile that is unsuitable for chronic use, as required for MS DMTs. A second generation of highly selective BTK inhibitors has shown efficacy in modulating MS-relevant mechanisms of pathogenesis in preclinical as well as clinical studies. Six of these BTK inhibitors are undergoing clinical development for MS, three of which are also under investigation for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Phase II trials of selected BTK inhibitors for MS showed reductions in new gadolinium-enhancing lesions on magnetic resonance imaging scans; however, the safety profile is yet to be ascertained in chronic use. Understanding of the safety profile is developing by combining safety insights from the ongoing phase II and III trials of second-generation BTK inhibitors for MS, CSU, RA and SLE. This narrative review investigates the potential of BTK inhibitors as an MS DMT, the improved selectivity of second-generation inhibitors, comparative safety insights established thus far through clinical development programmes and proposed implications in female reproductive health and in long-term administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Airas
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Neurocenter, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Robert A. Bermel
- Mellen Center for MS, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tanuja Chitnis
- Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Center, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jin Nakahara
- Department of Neurology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Olaf Stuve
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Neurology Section, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, TX, USA
- Peter O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Bernd C. Kieseier
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A 1, Muenster 48149, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kiss C, Wurth S, Heschl B, Khalil M, Gattringer T, Enzinger C, Ropele S. Low-frequency MR elastography reveals altered deep gray matter viscoelasticity in multiple sclerosis. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 42:103606. [PMID: 38669859 PMCID: PMC11068637 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain viscoelasticity as assessed by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been discussed as a promising surrogate of microstructural alterations due to neurodegenerative processes. Existing studies indicate that multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with a global reduction in brain stiffness. However, no study to date systematically investigated the MS-related characteristics of brain viscoelasticity separately in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), deep gray matter (DGM) and T2-hyperintense white matter (WM) lesions. METHODS 70 MS patients and 42 healthy volunteers underwent whole-cerebral MRE using a stimulated echo sequence (DENSE) with a low-frequency mechanical excitation at 20 Hertz. The magnitude |G∗| (Pa) and phase angle φ (rad) of the complex shear modulus G∗ were reconstructed by multifrequency dual elasto-visco (MDEV) inversion and related to structural imaging and clinical parameters. RESULTS We observed φ in the thalamus to be higher by 4.3 % in patients relative to healthy controls (1.11 ± 0.07 vs. 1.06 ± 0.07, p < 0.0001). Higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were negatively associated with φ in the basal ganglia (p = 0.01). We measured φ to be lower in MS lesions compared to surrounding NAWM (p = 0.001), which was most prominent for lesions in the temporal lobe (1.01 ± 0.22 vs. 1.06 ± 0.19, p = 0.003). Age was associated with lower values of |G∗| (p = 0.04) and φ (p = 0.004) in the thalamus of patients. No alteration in NAWM stiffness relative to WM in healthy controls was observed. CONCLUSION Low-frequency elastography in MS patients reveals age-independent alterations in the viscoelasticity of deep gray matter at early stages of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kiss
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Sebastian Wurth
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Bettina Heschl
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - Michael Khalil
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | | | | | - Stefan Ropele
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria; Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Luchicchi A, Muñoz‐Gonzalez G, Halperin ST, Strijbis E, van Dijk LHM, Foutiadou C, Uriac F, Bouman PM, Schouten MAN, Plemel J, 't Hart BA, Geurts JJG, Schenk GJ. Micro-diffusely abnormal white matter: An early multiple sclerosis lesion phase with intensified myelin blistering. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:973-988. [PMID: 38425098 PMCID: PMC11021636 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.52015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system disease whose white matter lesion origin remains debated. Recently, we reported subtle changes in the MS normal appearing white matter (NAWM), presenting with an increase in myelin blisters and myelin protein citrullination, which may recapitulate some of the prodromal degenerative processes involved in MS pathogenesis. Here, to clarify the relevance of these changes for subsequent MS myelin degeneration we explored their prevalence in WM regions characterized by subtly reduced myelination (dubbed as micro-diffusely abnormal white matter, mDAWM). METHODS We used an in-depth (immuno)histochemistry approach in 27 MS donors with histological presence of mDAWM and 5 controls. An antibody panel against degenerative markers was combined and the presence of myelin/axonal aberrations was analyzed and compared with the NAWM from the same cases/slices/regions. RESULTS mDAWM-defined areas exhibit ill-defined borders, no signs of Wallerian degeneration, and they associate with visible veins. Remarkably, such areas present with augmented myelin blister frequency, enhanced prevalence of polar myelin phospholipids, citrullination, and degradation of myelin basic protein (MBP) when compared with the NAWM. Furthermore, enhanced reactivity of microglia/macrophages against citrullinated MBP was also observed in this tissue. INTERPRETATION We report a new histologically defined early phase in MS lesion formation, namely mDAWM, which lacks signs of Wallerian pathology. These results support the prelesional nature of the mDAWM. We conceptualize that evolution to pathologically evident lesions comprises the previously documented imbalance of axo-myelinic units (myelin blistering) leading to their degeneration and immune system activation by released myelin components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Luchicchi
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Gema Muñoz‐Gonzalez
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Saar T. Halperin
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Eva Strijbis
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Department of NeurologyAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Laura H. M. van Dijk
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Chrisa Foutiadou
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Florence Uriac
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Piet M. Bouman
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Maxime A. N. Schouten
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Jason Plemel
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Bert A. 't Hart
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J. G. Geurts
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Geert J. Schenk
- Department of Anatomy and NeurosciencesAmsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical Center, Amsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- MS Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VU Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Moser T, Trinka E. Epilepsy surgery in multiple sclerosis. Epileptic Disord 2024; 26:267-268. [PMID: 38259084 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Moser
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Intensive Care and Neurorehabilitation, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University and Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eugen Trinka
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Intensive Care and Neurorehabilitation, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University and Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Member of the European Reference Network EpiCARE, Salzburg, Austria
- Neuroscience Institute, Christian Doppler University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University and Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salzburg, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Institute of Neurorehabilitation and Space Neurology, Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Barrett A, Olayinka-Amao O, Ziemssen T, Bharadia T, Henke C, Kamudoni P. Understanding the Symptoms and Impacts Experienced by People with Relapsing-Remitting MS: A Qualitative Investigation Using Semi-Structured Interviews. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:449-464. [PMID: 38345742 PMCID: PMC10951163 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00584-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling disease with unpredictable clinical manifestations. As clinical assessments may not fully capture the impact of MS on quality of life, they can be complemented by patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to provide a more comprehensive picture of MS disease state and impact. The objectives of this study were to explore the experiences of people with relapsing-remitting MS, including symptoms and impacts on daily life, and to provide a conceptual model of MS outcomes. METHODS A literature review of studies that evaluated the experiences of people with MS was completed and combined with semi-structured concept elicitation interviews conducted with 14 people with relapsing-remitting MS in the USA. RESULTS The average age of the 14 participants was 43.9 (range 25-64) years, most were White (78.6%) and female (78.6%), and the mean duration since diagnosis was 6.6 (2-10) years. The most bothersome symptoms identified included fatigue (n = 9), cognitive dysfunction (n = 5), mobility/difficulty with walking (n = 3), and vision problems (n = 3). The most commonly reported impacts on daily life were balance problems/instability (n = 13), work life/productivity (n = 12), difficulty walking (n = 11), daily activities/household chores (n = 11), and leisure activities (n = 10). CONCLUSION There was a high frequency of concepts associated with physical function, fatigue, and sensory-motor actions. A conceptual model was developed that captures the disease symptoms, impairments, and impacts identified in the interviews as well as known processes and symptoms identified in the literature search. This model underpins the appropriateness of PRO instruments, such as the PROMIS Fatigue (MS) 8a and PROMIS Physical Function (MS) 15a, which evaluate symptoms and impacts that matter most to people with MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Barrett
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment, RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Oyebimpe Olayinka-Amao
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment, RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Christian Henke
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Paul Kamudoni
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Montalban X, Piasecka-Stryczynska K, Kuhle J, Benkert P, Arnold DL, Weber MS, Seitzinger A, Guehring H, Shaw J, Tomic D, Hyvert Y, Harlow DE, Dyroff M, Wolinsky JS. Efficacy and safety results after >3.5 years of treatment with the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor evobrutinib in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Long-term follow-up of a Phase II randomised clinical trial with a cerebrospinal fluid sub-study. Mult Scler 2024; 30:558-570. [PMID: 38436271 PMCID: PMC11080380 DOI: 10.1177/13524585241234783] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evobrutinib - an oral, central nervous system (CNS)-penetrant, and highly selective Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor - has shown efficacy in a 48-week, double-blind, Phase II trial in patients with relapsing MS. OBJECTIVE Report results of the Phase II open-label extension (OLE; up to week 192 from randomisation) and a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sub-study. METHODS In the 48-week double-blind period (DBP), patients received evobrutinib 25 mg once-daily, 75 mg once-daily, 75 mg twice-daily or placebo (switched to evobrutinib 25 mg once-daily after week 24). Patients could then enter the OLE, receiving evobrutinib 75 mg once-daily (mean (± standard deviation (SD)) duration = 50.6 weeks (±6.0)) before switching to 75 mg twice-daily. RESULTS Of 164 evobrutinib-treated patients who entered the OLE, 128 (78.0%) completed ⩾192 weeks of treatment. Patients receiving DBP evobrutinib 75 mg twice-daily: annualised relapse rate at week 48 (0.11 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.04-0.25)) was maintained with the OLE twice-daily dose up to week 192 (0.11 (0.05-0.22)); Expanded Disability Status Scale score remained stable; serum neurofilament light chain fell to levels like a non-MS population (Z-scores); T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesion numbers remained low. No new safety signals were identified. In the OLE, evobrutinib was detected in the CSF of all sub-study patients. CONCLUSION Long-term evobrutinib treatment was well tolerated and associated with a sustained low level of disease activity. Evobrutinib was present in CSF at concentrations similar to plasma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Montalban
- Centre d’Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat), Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, MS Center and Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Clinical Trial Unit, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Douglas L Arnold
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; NeuroRx, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin S Weber
- Institute of Neuropathology, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Fraunhofer-Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Jamie Shaw
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Davorka Tomic
- Ares Trading SA, Eysins, Switzerland, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | | | - Danielle E Harlow
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Martin Dyroff
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA, an affiliate of Merck KGaA
| | - Jerry S Wolinsky
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Papukchieva S, Stratil AS, Kahn M, Neß NH, Hollnagel-Schmitz M, Gerencser V, Rustemeier J, Eberl M, Friedrich B, Ziemssen T. Shifting from the treat-to-target to the early highly effective treatment approach in patients with multiple sclerosis - real-world evidence from Germany. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241237857. [PMID: 38525488 PMCID: PMC10960977 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241237857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background While evidence highlights the effectiveness of initiating disease-modifying therapy with a high-efficacy medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with poor prognostic factors, it remains unclear whether this approach has been adopted by a broad range of MS providers in Germany yet. Objective To assess the adoption of the early highly effective treatment (EHT) compared to the treat-to-target treatment approach with the option of escalating treatment efficacy over time in Germany based on real-world evidence data. Design Patient-level pharmacy dispensing data from the Permea platform were analysed from 2020 to 2022. Methods In total, 29,529 therapy beginners (>18 years) were included to analyse shifts in treatment approaches over time and switching behaviour. Medication classification adhered to the German Society of Neurology guidelines and designated fumarates, glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide and interferons as low-efficacy category 1 medications; cladribine and S1P-modulators as medium-efficacy category 2 medications; and alemtuzumab, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab and rituximab (off-label) as high-efficacy category 3 medications. Results Our results show that 70.0% of patients redeemed their first prescription for category 1 medication, 16.3% for category 2 and 13.7% for category 3 medications. The proportion of prescriptions filled shifted from 2020 to 2022 with a decrease of 14.7% for category 1 drugs and an increase of 12.5% for category 3 drugs. 93.2% of patients stayed on their initially prescribed medication category. 3.2% of category 1 and 3.7% of category 2 therapy beginners escalated to category 3 medication. 3.4% of category 3 medication users de-escalated their treatment to category 1 or category 2. Conclusion While most individuals started their treatment according to the treat-to-target approach and remained on their initially prescribed medication category, there has been a steadily increasing shift towards the EHT approach since 2020. These insights demonstrate that, while not officially recommended by German guidelines, MS providers increasingly adopt the EHT approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rovira À, Pareto D. MRI as a biomarker of the smouldering component of multiple sclerosis: time to wake up. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:1677-1679. [PMID: 37973633 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10416-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Àlex Rovira
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Deborah Pareto
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hoffmann O, Paul F, Haase R, Kern R, Ziemssen T. Preferences, Adherence, and Satisfaction: Three Years of Treatment Experiences of People with Multiple Sclerosis. Patient Prefer Adherence 2024; 18:455-466. [PMID: 38406376 PMCID: PMC10894675 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s452849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To reduce the risk of long-term disability in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), an increasing number of disease-modifying immune therapies (DMT) are available, involving diverse mechanisms of action, levels of efficacy, treatment risks, and tolerability aspects. Including patient preferences and expectations in shared decision-making may improve treatment satisfaction, adherence, and persistence. Purpose To investigate long-term alignment of individual preferences and expectations of pwMS with their actual DMT and its effect on treatment satisfaction, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), adherence, and treatment discontinuation. Methods A total of 401 pwMS beginning a new DMT were enrolled from 2015 to 2018 in a non-interventional study at three German MS centres. Patient preferences regarding DMT, TSQM-9, SF36, and self-reported adherence as well as relapses and EDSS were recorded at baseline and every 3 to 6 months for up to 3 years. Results Efficacy and tolerability were the highest-ranking preferences at baseline. Actual selection of DMT corresponded more closely to safety than efficacy, tolerability, or convenience preferences. Participants reported excellent adherence throughout the study. DMT persistence was 69.0%, with earlier discontinuation for injectable vs oral or infusion therapies. Breakthrough disease, rather than patient-reported outcomes, was the main driver of DMT discontinuation. For all routes of administration, global treatment satisfaction increased over time despite lower satisfaction with convenience. Several patterns of changing preferences were observed. Conclusion This study provides insight into the interaction of DMT preferences of pwMS with their actual treatment experience. Treatment decisions should be aligned with long-term expectations of pwMS to promote continuous adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology, Alexianer St. Josefs-Krankenhaus Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rocco Haase
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
De Keersmaecker AV, Van Doninck E, Popescu V, Willem L, Cambron M, Laureys G, D’ Haeseleer M, Bjerke M, Roelant E, Lemmerling M, D’hooghe MB, Derdelinckx J, Reynders T, Willekens B. A metformin add-on clinical study in multiple sclerosis to evaluate brain remyelination and neurodegeneration (MACSiMiSE-BRAIN): study protocol for a multi-center randomized placebo controlled clinical trial. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1362629. [PMID: 38680485 PMCID: PMC11046490 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite advances in immunomodulatory treatments of multiple sclerosis (MS), patients with non-active progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) continue to face a significant unmet need. Demyelination, smoldering inflammation and neurodegeneration are important drivers of disability progression that are insufficiently targeted by current treatment approaches. Promising preclinical data support repurposing of metformin for treatment of PMS. The objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether metformin, as add-on treatment, is superior to placebo in delaying disease progression in patients with non-active PMS. Methods and analysis MACSiMiSE-BRAIN is a multi-center two-arm, 1:1 randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, conducted at five sites in Belgium. Enrollment of 120 patients with non-active PMS is planned. Each participant will undergo a screening visit with assessment of baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinical tests, questionnaires, and a safety laboratory assessment. Following randomization, participants will be assigned to either the treatment (metformin) or placebo group. Subsequently, they will undergo a 96-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is change in walking speed, as measured by the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test, from baseline to 96 weeks. Secondary outcome measures include change in neurological disability (Expanded Disability Status Score), information processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test) and hand function (9-Hole Peg test). Annual brain MRI will be performed to assess evolution in brain volumetry and diffusion metrics. As patients may not progress in all domains, a composite outcome, the Overall Disability Response Score will be additionally evaluated as an exploratory outcome. Other exploratory outcomes will consist of paramagnetic rim lesions, the 2-minute walking test and health economic analyses as well as both patient- and caregiver-reported outcomes like the EQ-5D-5L, the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale and the Caregiver Strain Index. Ethics and dissemination Clinical trial authorization from regulatory agencies [Ethical Committee and Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP)] was obtained after submission to the centralized European Clinical Trial Information System. The results of this clinical trial will be disseminated at scientific conferences, in peer-reviewed publications, to patient associations and the general public. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05893225, EUCT number: 2023-503190-38-00.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Victoria De Keersmaecker
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Eline Van Doninck
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center of Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Veronica Popescu
- Immunology and Infection, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Biomedical Research Institute, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Noorderhart Maria Hospital, Pelt, Belgium
- University Multiple Sclerosis Centre, University of Hasselt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lander Willem
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center of Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Melissa Cambron
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, Algemeen Ziekenhuis Sint Jan, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Guy Laureys
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Miguel D’ Haeseleer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, National Multiple Sclerosis Center, Melsbroek, Belgium
- Department Neuroprotection and Neuromodulation, Center for Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Bjerke
- Department Neuroprotection and Neuromodulation, Center for Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Biology, Brussels, University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ella Roelant
- Clinical Trial Center, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Marc Lemmerling
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marie Beatrice D’hooghe
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, National Multiple Sclerosis Center, Melsbroek, Belgium
- Department Neuroprotection and Neuromodulation, Center for Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Judith Derdelinckx
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tatjana Reynders
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Barbara Willekens
- Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Laaksonen S, Saraste M, Nylund M, Hinz R, Snellman A, Rinne J, Matilainen M, Airas L. Sex-driven variability in TSPO-expressing microglia in MS patients and healthy individuals. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1352116. [PMID: 38445263 PMCID: PMC10913932 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1352116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Males with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a higher risk for disability progression than females, but the reasons for this are unclear. Objective We hypothesized that potential differences in TSPO-expressing microglia between female and male MS patients could contribute to sex differences in clinical disease progression. Methods The study cohort consisted of 102 MS patients (mean (SD) age 45.3 (9.7) years, median (IQR) disease duration 12.1 (7.0-17.2) years, 72% females, 74% relapsing-remitting MS) and 76 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. TSPO-expressing microglia were measured using the TSPO-binding radioligand [11C](R)-PK11195 and brain positron emission tomography (PET). TSPO-binding was quantified as distribution volume ratio (DVR) in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), thalamus, whole brain and cortical gray matter (cGM). Results Male MS patients had higher DVRs compared to female patients in the whole brain [1.22 (0.04) vs. 1.20 (0.02), p = 0.002], NAWM [1.24 (0.06) vs. 1.21 (0.05), p = 0.006], thalamus [1.37 (0.08) vs. 1.32 (0.02), p = 0.008] and cGM [1.25 (0.04) vs. 1.23 (0.04), p = 0.028]. Similarly, healthy men had higher DVRs compared to healthy women except for cGM. Of the studied subgroups, secondary progressive male MS patients had the highest DVRs in all regions, while female controls had the lowest DVRs. Conclusion We observed higher TSPO-binding in males compared to females among people with MS and in healthy individuals. This sex-driven inherent variability in TSPO-expressing microglia may predispose male MS patients to greater likelihood of disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sini Laaksonen
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Neurocenter, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maija Saraste
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marjo Nylund
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Neurocenter, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Rainer Hinz
- Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anniina Snellman
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha Rinne
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Neurocenter, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Markus Matilainen
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Airas
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Neurocenter, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hoffmann O, Gold R, Meuth SG, Linker RA, Skripuletz T, Wiendl H, Wattjes MP. Prognostic relevance of MRI in early relapsing multiple sclerosis: ready to guide treatment decision making? Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241229325. [PMID: 38332854 PMCID: PMC10851744 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241229325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple sclerosis (MS). There is conclusive evidence that brain and spinal cord MRI findings in early disease stages also provide relevant insight into individual prognosis. This includes prediction of disease activity and disease progression, the accumulation of long-term disability and the conversion to secondary progressive MS. The extent to which these MRI findings should influence treatment decisions remains a subject of ongoing discussion. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the current knowledge and scientific evidence regarding the utility of MRI at early MS disease stages for prognostic classification of individual patients. In addition, we discuss the current evidence regarding the use of MRI in order to predict treatment response. Finally, we propose a potential approach as to how MRI data may be categorized and integrated into early clinical decision making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Hoffmann
- Department of Neurology, Alexianer St. Josefs-Krankenhaus Potsdam, Allee nach Sanssouci 7, 14471 Potsdam, Germany; Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ralf A. Linker
- Department of Neurology, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mike P. Wattjes
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Faustino R, Lopes C, Jantarada A, Mendonça A, Raposo R, Ferrão C, Freitas J, Mateus C, Pinto A, Almeida E, Gomes N, Marques L, Palavra F. Neuroimaging characterization of multiple sclerosis lesions in pediatric patients: an exploratory radiomics approach. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1294574. [PMID: 38370435 PMCID: PMC10869542 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1294574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is a common condition in young adults, but it can also affect children. The aim of this study was to construct radiomic models of lesions based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, T2-weighted-Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery), to understand the correlation between extracted radiomic features, brain and lesion volumetry, demographic, clinical and laboratorial data. Methods The neuroimaging data extracted from eleven scans of pediatric MS patients were analyzed. A total of 60 radiomic features based on MR T2-FLAIR images were extracted and used to calculate gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). The principal component analysis and ROC analysis were performed to select the radiomic features, respectively. The realized classification task by the logistic regression models was performed according to these radiomic features. Results Ten most relevant features were selected from data extracted. The logistic regression applied to T2-FLAIR radiomic features revealed significant predictor for multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion detection. Only the variable "contrast" was statistically significant, indicating that only this variable played a significant role in the model. This approach enhances the classification of lesions from normal tissue. Discussion and conclusion Our exploratory results suggest that the radiomic models based on MR imaging (T2-FLAIR) may have a potential contribution to characterization of brain tissues and classification of lesions in pediatric MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Faustino
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Science, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Biomedical Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine NICiTeS, Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Lopes
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Afonso Jantarada
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Mendonça
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rafael Raposo
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristina Ferrão
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Freitas
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Constança Mateus
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Pinto
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ellen Almeida
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Gomes
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Marques
- Neuroimaging and Biomedicine Research Group, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research Unit, CrossI&D: Lisbon Research Center, Portuguese Red Cross Higher Health School (ESSCVP), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipe Palavra
- Centre for Child Development – Neuropediatrics Unit, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Giovannoni G, Ford HL, Schmierer K, Middleton R, Stennett AM, Pomeroy I, Fisniku L, Scalfari A, Bannon C, Stross R, Hughes S, Williams A, Josephs S, Peel C, Straukiene A. MS care: integrating advanced therapies and holistic management. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1286122. [PMID: 38351950 PMCID: PMC10862341 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1286122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle and environmental factors are key determinants in disease causality and progression in neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Lack of exercise, poor diet, tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol intake, social determinants of health, concomitant medications, poor sleep and comorbidities can exacerbate MS pathological processes by impacting brain health and depleting neurological reserves, resulting in more rapid disease worsening. In addition to using disease-modifying therapies to alter the disease course, therapeutic strategies in MS should aim to preserve as much neurological reserve as possible by promoting the adoption of a "brain-healthy" and "metabolically-healthy" lifestyle. Here, we recommend self-regulated lifestyle modifications that have the potential to improve brain health, directly impact on disease progression and improve outcomes in people with MS. We emphasise the importance of self-management and adopting a multidisciplinary, collaborative and person-centred approach to care that encompasses the healthcare team, family members and community support groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Giovannoni
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Board Medicine (Neuroscience), The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen L. Ford
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Klaus Schmierer
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Board Medicine (Neuroscience), The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rod Middleton
- Disease Registers & Data Research in Health Data Science, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea M. Stennett
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Board Medicine (Neuroscience), The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Pomeroy
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Leonora Fisniku
- Department of Neurosciences (Addenbrooke’s), Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Scalfari
- Centre of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruth Stross
- Neurology Academy, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- Kingston Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Hughes
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Williams
- Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Paignton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Agne Straukiene
- Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, United Kingdom
- University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Gavasso S, Kråkenes T, Olsen H, Evjenth EC, Ytterdal M, Haugsøen JB, Kvistad CE. The Therapeutic Mechanisms of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in MS-A Review Focusing on Neuroprotective Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1365. [PMID: 38338644 PMCID: PMC10855165 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In multiple sclerosis (MS), there is a great need for treatment with the ability to suppress compartmentalized inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS) and to promote remyelination and regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapeutic option, as they have been shown to migrate to the site of CNS injury and exert neuroprotective properties, including immunomodulation, neurotrophic factor secretion, and endogenous neural stem cell stimulation. This review summarizes the current understanding of the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms and discusses the translation of MSC transplantation and their derivatives from pre-clinical demyelinating models to clinical trials with MS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Gavasso
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (T.K.); (H.O.); (E.C.E.); (J.B.H.); (C.E.K.)
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Torbjørn Kråkenes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (T.K.); (H.O.); (E.C.E.); (J.B.H.); (C.E.K.)
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Håkon Olsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (T.K.); (H.O.); (E.C.E.); (J.B.H.); (C.E.K.)
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Claire Evjenth
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (T.K.); (H.O.); (E.C.E.); (J.B.H.); (C.E.K.)
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Marie Ytterdal
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (T.K.); (H.O.); (E.C.E.); (J.B.H.); (C.E.K.)
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jonas Bull Haugsøen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (T.K.); (H.O.); (E.C.E.); (J.B.H.); (C.E.K.)
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Christopher Elnan Kvistad
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; (T.K.); (H.O.); (E.C.E.); (J.B.H.); (C.E.K.)
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sarkar SK, Willson AML, Jordan MA. The Plasticity of Immune Cell Response Complicates Dissecting the Underlying Pathology of Multiple Sclerosis. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:5383099. [PMID: 38213874 PMCID: PMC10783990 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5383099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of the myelin sheath of the neuronal axon in the central nervous system. Many risk factors, including environmental, epigenetic, genetic, and lifestyle factors, are responsible for the development of MS. It has long been thought that only adaptive immune cells, especially autoreactive T cells, are responsible for the pathophysiology; however, recent evidence has indicated that innate immune cells are also highly involved in disease initiation and progression. Here, we compile the available data regarding the role immune cells play in MS, drawn from both human and animal research. While T and B lymphocytes, chiefly enhance MS pathology, regulatory T cells (Tregs) may serve a more protective role, as can B cells, depending on context and location. Cells chiefly involved in innate immunity, including macrophages, microglia, astrocytes, dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, eosinophils, and mast cells, play varied roles. In addition, there is evidence regarding the involvement of innate-like immune cells, such as γδ T cells, NKT cells, MAIT cells, and innate-like B cells as crucial contributors to MS pathophysiology. It is unclear which of these cell subsets are involved in the onset or progression of disease or in protective mechanisms due to their plastic nature, which can change their properties and functions depending on microenvironmental exposure and the response of neural networks in damage control. This highlights the need for a multipronged approach, combining stringently designed clinical data with carefully controlled in vitro and in vivo research findings, to identify the underlying mechanisms so that more effective therapeutics can be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujan Kumar Sarkar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Physiology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Annie M. L. Willson
- Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Biology, CPHMVS, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Margaret A. Jordan
- Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Biology, CPHMVS, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Oh J, Airas L, Harrison D, Järvinen E, Livingston T, Lanker S, Malik RA, Okuda DT, Villoslada P, de Vries HE. Neuroimaging to monitor worsening of multiple sclerosis: advances supported by the grant for multiple sclerosis innovation. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1319869. [PMID: 38107636 PMCID: PMC10722910 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1319869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Key unmet needs in multiple sclerosis (MS) include detection of early pathology, disability worsening independent of relapses, and accurate monitoring of treatment response. Collaborative approaches to address these unmet needs have been driven in part by industry-academic networks and initiatives such as the Grant for Multiple Sclerosis Innovation (GMSI) and Multiple Sclerosis Leadership and Innovation Network (MS-LINK™) programs. We review the application of recent advances, supported by the GMSI and MS-LINK™ programs, in neuroimaging technology to quantify pathology related to central pathology and disease worsening, and potential for their translation into clinical practice/trials. GMSI-supported advances in neuroimaging methods and biomarkers include developments in magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ocular imaging, and machine learning. However, longitudinal studies are required to facilitate translation of these measures to the clinic and to justify their inclusion as endpoints in clinical trials of new therapeutics for MS. Novel neuroimaging measures and other biomarkers, combined with artificial intelligence, may enable accurate prediction and monitoring of MS worsening in the clinic, and may also be used as endpoints in clinical trials of new therapies for MS targeting relapse-independent disease pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Oh
- Division of Neurology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Laura Airas
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel Harrison
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Baltimore VA Medical Center, VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elina Järvinen
- Neurology and Immunology, Medical Unit N&I, Merck OY (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Espoo, Finland
| | - Terrie Livingston
- Patient Solutions and Center of Excellence Strategic Engagement, EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA, United States
| | - Stefan Lanker
- Neurology & Immunology, US Medical Affairs, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Darin T. Okuda
- Department of Neurology, Neuroinnovation Program, Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Imaging Program, Clinical Center for Multiple Sclerosis, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Pablo Villoslada
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helga E. de Vries
- MS Center Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam UMC), Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Elkjaer ML, Waede MR, Kingo C, Damsbo K, Illes Z. Expression of Bruton´s tyrosine kinase in different type of brain lesions of multiple sclerosis patients and during experimental demyelination. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264128. [PMID: 38022591 PMCID: PMC10679451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an emerging multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy. BTK inhibitors (BTKi) cross the blood-brain barrier and modulate B cells and microglia, major cellular players in active and chronic active lesions. Objective To assess potential lesional and cellular targets of BTKi, we examined BTK expression in different type of MS white matter (WM) lesions, in unmanipulated CNS resident cells, and in a degenerative MS model associated with microglia activation in vivo. Methods We examined BTK expression by next-generation RNA-sequencing in postmortem 25 control WM, 19 NAWM, 6 remyelinating, 18 active, 13 inactive and 17 chronic active lesions. Presence of B cells and microglia were examined by immunohistochemistry. CNS resident cells were isolated from the mouse brain by magnetic sorting. BTK expression was examined by quantitative PCR in isolated cells and dissected corpus callosum from mice treated with cuprizone (CPZ). Results BTK expression was significantly increased in active and chronic active lesions with upregulated complement receptors and Fcγ receptors. Active lesions contained high number of perivascular B cells, microglia, and macrophages. Chronic active lesions were characterized by microglia/macrophages in the rim. Microglia expressed BTK at high level (120-fold) in contrast to other CNS cell types (2-4-fold). BTK expression was increasing during CPZ treatment reaching significance after stopping CPZ. Conclusion Considering BTK expression in MS lesions and resident cells, BTKi may exert effect on B cells, microglia/macrophages in active lesions, and limit microglia activation in chronic active lesions, where tissue damage propagates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria L. Elkjaer
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mie R. Waede
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christina Kingo
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karina Damsbo
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Zsolt Illes
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE – Brain Research Interdisciplinary Guided Ecxellence, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Kråkenes T, Wergeland S, Al-Sharabi N, Mohamed-Ahmed S, Fromreide S, Costea DE, Mustafa K, Bø L, Kvistad CE. The neuroprotective potential of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow and human exfoliated deciduous teeth in a murine model of demyelination. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293908. [PMID: 37943848 PMCID: PMC10635499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by chronic inflammation, demyelination, and axonal degeneration within the central nervous system (CNS), for which there is no current treatment available with the ability to promote neuroprotection or remyelination. Some aspects of the progressive form of MS are displayed in the murine cuprizone model, where demyelination is induced by the innate immune system without major involvement of the adaptive immune system. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with immunomodulatory and neuroprotective potential. In this study, we aimed to assess the neuroprotective potential of MSCs from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in the cuprizone model. METHODS Human BM-MSCs and SHED were isolated and characterized. Nine-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomized to receive either human BM-MSCs, human SHED or saline intraperitoneally. Treatments were administered on day -1, 14 and 21. Outcomes included levels of local demyelination and inflammation, and were assessed with immunohistochemistry and histology. RESULTS BM-MSCs were associated with increased myelin content and reduced microglial activation whereas mice treated with SHED showed reduced microglial and astroglial activation. There were no differences between treatment groups in numbers of mature oligodendrocytes or axonal injury. MSCs were identified in the demyelinated corpus callosum in 40% of the cuprizone mice in both the BM-MSC and SHED group. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a neuroprotective effect of MSCs in a toxic MS model, with demyelination mediated by the innate immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torbjørn Kråkenes
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stig Wergeland
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Niyaz Al-Sharabi
- Tissue Engineering Group, Center of Translational Oral Research (TOR), Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Samih Mohamed-Ahmed
- Tissue Engineering Group, Center of Translational Oral Research (TOR), Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Siren Fromreide
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gades Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Daniela-Elana Costea
- Center for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO and Gades Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kamal Mustafa
- Tissue Engineering Group, Center of Translational Oral Research (TOR), Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Bø
- Neuro-SysMed, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Müller J, Cagol A, Lorscheider J, Tsagkas C, Benkert P, Yaldizli Ö, Kuhle J, Derfuss T, Sormani MP, Thompson A, Granziera C, Kappos L. Harmonizing Definitions for Progression Independent of Relapse Activity in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:1232-1245. [PMID: 37782515 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Importance Emerging evidence suggests that progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) is a substantial contributor to long-term disability accumulation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). To date, there is no uniform agreed-upon definition of PIRA, limiting the comparability of published studies. Objective To summarize the current evidence about PIRA based on a systematic review, to discuss the various terminologies used in the context of PIRA, and to propose a harmonized definition for PIRA for use in clinical practice and future trials. Evidence Review A literature search was conducted using the search terms multiple sclerosis, PIRA, progression independent of relapse activity, silent progression, and progression unrelated to relapses in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science, published between January 1990 and December 2022. Findings Of 119 identified single records, 48 eligible studies were analyzed. PIRA was reported to occur in roughly 5% of all patients with RRMS per annum, causing at least 50% of all disability accrual events in typical RRMS. The proportion of PIRA vs relapse-associated worsening increased with age, longer disease duration, and, despite lower absolute event numbers, potent suppression of relapses by highly effective disease-modifying therapy. However, different studies used various definitions of PIRA, rendering the comparability of studies difficult. Conclusion and Relevance PIRA is the most frequent manifestation of disability accumulation across the full spectrum of traditional MS phenotypes, including clinically isolated syndrome and early RRMS. The harmonized definition suggested here may improve the comparability of results in current and future cohorts and data sets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jannis Müller
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Cagol
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Lorscheider
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charidimos Tsagkas
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Benkert
- Department of Clinical Research, Clinical Trial Unit, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Özgür Yaldizli
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Derfuss
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alan Thompson
- Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Granziera
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Neurologic Clinic and Policlinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig Kappos
- Research Center for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel (RC2NB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Translational Imaging in Neurology (ThINk) Basel, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mokhtarzadeh Khanghahi A, Rayatpour A, Baharvand H, Javan M. Neuroglial components of brain lesions may provide new therapeutic strategies for multiple sclerosis. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:3795-3807. [PMID: 37410268 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06915-5] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which leads to focal demyelinated lesions in the brain and spinal cord. Failure of remyelination contributes to chronic disability in young adults. Characterization of events occurring during the demyelination and remyelination processes and those of which subsequently limit remyelination or contribute to demyelination can provide the possibility of new therapies development for MS. Most of the currently available therapies and investigations modulate immune responses and mediators. Since most therapeutic strategies have unsatisfied outcomes, developing new therapies that enhance brain lesion repair is a priority. A close look at cellular and chemical components of MS lesions will pave the way to a better understanding of lesions pathology and will provide possible opportunities for repair strategies and targeted pharmacotherapy. This review summarizes the lesion components and features, particularly the detrimental elements, and discusses the possibility of suggesting new potential targets as therapies for demyelinating diseases like MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akram Mokhtarzadeh Khanghahi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Rayatpour
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javan
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
- Institute for Brain and Cognition, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Pinarello C, Elmers J, Inojosa H, Beste C, Ziemssen T. Management of multiple sclerosis fatigue in the digital age: from assessment to treatment. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1231321. [PMID: 37869507 PMCID: PMC10585158 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1231321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), affecting more than 80% of patients over the disease course. Nevertheless, it has a multi-faceted and complex nature, making its diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment extremely challenging in clinical practice. In the last years, digital supporting tools have emerged to support the care of people with MS. These include not only smartphone or table-based apps, but also wearable devices or novel techniques such as virtual reality. Furthermore, an additional effective and cost-efficient tool for the therapeutic management of people with fatigue is becoming increasingly available. Virtual reality and e-Health are viable and modern tools to both assess and treat fatigue, with a variety of applications and adaptability to patient needs and disability levels. Most importantly, they can be employed in the patient's home setting and can not only bridge clinic visits but also be complementary to the monitoring and treatment means for those MS patients who live far away from healthcare structures. In this narrative review, we discuss the current knowledge and future perspectives in the digital management of fatigue in MS. These may also serve as sources for research of novel digital biomarkers in the identification of disease activity and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pinarello
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Elmers
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hernán Inojosa
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Beste
- Cognitive Neurophysiology, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tjalf Ziemssen
- Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Thompson AJ, Moccia M, Amato MP, Calabresi PA, Finlayson M, Hawton A, Lublin FD, Marrie RA, Montalban X, Panzara M, Sormani MP, Strum J, Vickrey BG, Coetzee T. Do the current MS clinical course descriptors need to change and if so how? A survey of the MS community. Mult Scler 2023; 29:1363-1372. [PMID: 37691493 PMCID: PMC10580678 DOI: 10.1177/13524585231196786] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The current clinical course descriptors of multiple sclerosis (MS) include a combination of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. Recently there has been a growing call to base these descriptors more firmly on biological mechanisms. We investigated the implications of proposing a new mechanism-driven framework for describing MS. METHODS In a web-based survey, multiple stakeholders rated the need to change current MS clinical course descriptors, the definitions of disease course and their value in clinical practice and related topics. RESULTS We received 502 responses across 49 countries. In all, 77% of the survey respondents supported changing the current MS clinical course descriptors. They preferred a framework that informs treatment decisions, aids the design and conduct of clinical trials, allows patients to understand their disease, and links disease mechanisms and clinical expression of disease. Clinical validation before dissemination and ease of communication to patients were rated as the most important aspects to consider when developing any new framework for describing MS. CONCLUSION A majority of MS stakeholders agreed that the current MS clinical course descriptors need to change. Any change process will need to engage a wide range of affected stakeholders and be guided by foundational principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Thompson
- Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marcello Moccia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Molecular Biotechnology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Policlinico Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Amato
- Department NEUROFARBA, Section of Neurosciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - Peter A Calabresi
- Department of Neurology and The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcia Finlayson
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queens University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Annie Hawton
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Fred D Lublin
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Ann Marrie
- Departments of Medicine & Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Xavier Montalban
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia and Department of Neurology-Neuroimmunology, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria Pia Sormani
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Barbara G Vickrey
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy Coetzee
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 733 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Sharrad D, Chugh P, Slee M, Bacchi S. Defining progression independent of relapse activity (PIRA) in adult patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: A systematic review ✰. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 78:104899. [PMID: 37499338 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progression Independent of Relapse Activity (PIRA) is heterogeneously described in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) regarding the frequency and nature of PIRA. This systematic review was conducted to characterise and define the elements of PIRA. METHOD This systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted of the databases Embase, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar. RESULTS 5,812 studies were identified by the initial search. 13 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. PIRA definitions varied considerably between studies. In the context of these variable definitions, along with other methodological differences relating to disease modifying therapy (DMT) use and follow-up duration, the reported proportion of patients experiencing PIRA varied from 4% to 24%. CONCLUSIONS The currently available research supports the presence of PIRA in relapsing MS. Based on review of the existing literature, we propose a definition of PIRA that is clinically relevant and minimises confounding from inclusion of patients who have reached the secondary progressive phase of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dale Sharrad
- SA Health, Department of Neurology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia
| | - Pooja Chugh
- SA Health, Department of Neurology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Mark Slee
- SA Health, Department of Neurology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia
| | - Stephen Bacchi
- SA Health, Department of Neurology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Huang SC, Pisa M, Guerrieri S, Dalla Costa G, Comi G, Leocani L. Optical coherence tomography with voxel-based morphometry: a new tool to unveil focal retinal neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis. Brain Commun 2023; 6:fcad249. [PMID: 38328398 PMCID: PMC10847824 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad249] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is the main contributor to disability accumulation in multiple sclerosis. Previous studies in neuro-ophthalmology have revealed that neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis also affects the neuro-retina. Optical coherence tomography has been used to measure thinning of retinal layers, which correlates with several other markers for axonal/neuronal loss in multiple sclerosis. However, the existing analytical tools have limitations in terms of sensitivity and do not provide topographical information. In this study, we aim to evaluate whether voxel-based morphometry can increase sensitivity in detecting neuroaxonal degeneration in the retina and offer topographical information. A total of 131 people with multiple sclerosis (41 clinically isolated syndrome, 53 relapsing-remitting and 37 progressive multiple sclerosis) and 50 healthy subjects were included. Only eyes with normal global peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and no history of optic neuritis were considered. Voxel-based morphometry and voxel-wise statistical comparisons were performed on the following: (i) patients at different disease stages and 2) patients who experienced the first demyelination attack without subclinical optic neuritis, assessed by visual evoked potentials. Standard parameters failed to discern any differences; however, voxel-based morphometry-optical coherence tomography successfully detected focal macular atrophy of retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer, along with thickening of inner nuclear layer in patients who experienced the first demyelination attack (disease duration = 4.2 months). Notably, the atrophy pattern of the ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer was comparable across disease phenotypes. In contrast, the retinal nerve fibre layer atrophy spread from the optic nerve head to the fovea as the disease evolved towards the progressive phase. Furthermore, for patients who experienced the first neurological episode, the severity of retinal nerve fibre layer atrophy at entry could predict a second attack. Our results demonstrate that voxel-based morphometry-optical coherence tomography exhibits greater sensitivity than standard parameters in detecting focal retinal atrophy, even at clinical presentation, in eyes with no history of optic neuritis and with normal latency of visual evoked potentials. Thinning of the ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer primarily concentrated in nasal perifovea in all disease phenotypes, indicating selective vulnerability of retinal ganglion cells and their perifoveal axons. Conversely, the degree of retinal nerve fibre layer thinning seems to be related to the clinical course of multiple sclerosis. The findings suggest bidirectional neurodegeneration in the visual pathway. Voxel-based morphometry-optical coherence tomography shows potential as a valuable tool for monitoring neurodegeneration on a patient level and evaluating the efficacy of novel neuroprotective treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Chun Huang
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Marco Pisa
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Simone Guerrieri
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Gloria Dalla Costa
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Comi
- Faculty of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Science, Casa di Cura Igea, Milan 20144, Italy
| | - Letizia Leocani
- Experimental Neurophysiology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology-INSPE, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan 20132, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Giovannoni G, Hawkes CH, Lechner-Scott J, Levy M, Ann Yeh E. CNS resilience in the progression of MS. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 77:104937. [PMID: 37634271 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Resilience; Progressive multiple sclerosis; Genomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Giovannoni
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Christopher H Hawkes
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michael Levy
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, United States
| | - E Ann Yeh
- Department of Paediatrics (Neurology), Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute University of Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|