Press Release Source: Multiple Sclerosis Association of America On Tuesday March 1, 2011, 3:12 pm EST

CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — During MS Awareness Month, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) invites the MS community to participate in a wide array of activities and events to help manage their MS:

(Logo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20040730/NYF027LOGO )

For more information on MS Awareness Month, MSAA, or any of the programs and services MSAA provides, please contact Amanda Bednar, public relations manager at (800) 532-7667, extension 122 or via email at .

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA offers programs and services including a toll-free bilingual Helpline (800-532-7667); informative publications including a magazine, The Motivator; website featuring MSi online educational videos; equipment distribution ranging from grab bars to wheelchairs; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; MRI funding and insurance advocacy; educational events and activities; Networking Program; Lending Library; and more.

The most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. This disorder damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves, causing reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. MS is not contagious or fatal.

Posted on: Wednesday, 12 January 2011, 14:39 CST

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease caused by damage to myelin – the protective covering wrapped around the nerves of the central nervous system (CNS).

Previous studies have shown that certain white blood (immune) cells, called leukocytes, infiltrate the CNS and play a significant role in causing the damage that contributes to MS symptoms. it has also been shown that these leukocytes enter the CNS with help from a family of molecules called MMPs.

Using a mouse model, researchers have discovered that a molecular switch called EMMPRIN plays an important role in MS. the researchers explored how in MS, EMMPRIN affects MMPs and the entry of leukocytes into the CNS to result in disease activity.

"In our studies we inhibited EMMPRIN and noticed a reduced intensity of MS-like symptoms in mice," says Dr. V. Wee Yong, a professor of Clinical Neurosciences at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine and the study’s principal investigator. "Our data suggests that if we target EMMPRIN in patients with MS, we may reduce the injury to the brain and spinal cord caused by immune cells."

In addition to working with animal models, the authors also found that EMMPRIN is significantly elevated in the brain lesions of MS patients, indicating its potential significance in the disease.

"this study has identified a new factor in MS, the blockade of which resolves disease activity in an animal model of MS. the results are exciting as they offer new insights into the MS disease process", says Dr. Smriti Agrawal, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Yong’s lab and the study’s lead author.

"the authors have extended our knowledge of the molecules that regulate the trafficking of immune cells into the nervous system as occurs in multiple sclerosis. the current study identifies a new factor that can serve as a potential target of MS therapeutics," says Dr. Jack Antel, Professor of Neurology at McGill University.

The research findings are published in the Jan 12th issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

On the Net:

• University of Calgary
• Journal of Neuroscience

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