Annals of neurology
-
Annals of neurology · Aug 2012
Vitamin D status predicts new brain magnetic resonance imaging activity in multiple sclerosis.
We sought to determine whether vitamin D status is associated with developing new T2 lesions or contrast-enhancing lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ Vitamin D levels are inversely associated with MS activity on brain MRI. These results provide further support for a randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation.
-
Annals of neurology · Aug 2012
Evidence that nuclear factor IA inhibits repair after white matter injury.
Chronic demyelination can result in axonopathy and is associated with human neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults and cerebral palsy in infants. In these disorders, myelin regeneration is inhibited by impaired differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitors into myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. However, regulatory factors relevant in human myelin disorders and in myelin regeneration remain poorly understood. Here we have investigated the role of the transcription factor nuclear factor IA (NFIA) in oligodendrocyte progenitor differentiation during developmental and regenerative myelination. ⋯ These studies suggest that NFIA participates in the control of oligodendrocyte progenitor differentiation and may contribute to the inhibition of remyelination in human myelin disorders.
-
Annals of neurology · Jul 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyDonepezil for dementia with Lewy bodies: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Because cholinergic deficits are prominent in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), we investigated the effects of a cholinesterase inhibitor, donepezil, in such patients in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory phase 2 trial. ⋯ Donepezil at 5 and 10mg/day produces significant cognitive, behavioral, and global improvements that last at least 12 weeks in DLB patients, reducing caregiver burden at the highest dose. Donepezil is safe and well tolerated.
-
Annals of neurology · Jul 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized trial of mesenchymal stem cells in multiple system atrophy.
Neuroprotective or regenerative strategies are invaluable in multiple system atrophy (MSA) due to its rapid progression with fatal prognosis. We evaluated the efficacy of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in patients with MSA-cerebellar type (MSA-C). ⋯ MSC therapy could delay the progression of neurological deficits in patients with MSA-C, suggesting the potential of MSC therapy as a treatment candidate of MSA.