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Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. 2.5 million people are affected by MS worldwide; in Poland, the number of patients is approximately 40,000. Patients with multiple sclerosis suffer from a number of symptoms associated with this disease. Aim of the research: To assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy in MS. Material and methods: The study enrolled 25 MS patients aged 27-72 years (including 16 females and 9 males), undergoing 6-week rehabilitation. They were examined twice: before and after rehabilitation. The study used two questionnaires created by the author. Evaluation of the clinical status and disease severity was based on the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scales (EDSS), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale, and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29). The results were analysed with Student's t-test and the chi-square (?2) test. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant (the level of significance was 0.05) progress in the functional status of the patients after physiotherapy, as evidenced by improved results with respect to the motor efficiency in the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the functional assessment in the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Scale, and the influence of MS on patients' daily life in the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) seen in the majority of the patients, which confirms a positive impact of the therapy. Conclusions: In the study group, comprehensive rehabilitation had a beneficial influence on the improvement of functional status and the level of motor ability. Physiotherapy turned out to be an extremely effective form of symptomatic treatment of MS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy / Fizjoterapia is the property of Physiotherapy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and incurable disease. The onset is usually between the ages of 20-40 years. Case report. This paper describes a case of acute respiratory failure in the course of aspiration pneumonia in a 59 year old patient with MS. On admission to the ICU radiographic massive inflammatory changes were found. The results of laboratory tests, strong resting dyspnea, difficult contact and auscultatory changes in physical examination, as well as a history of respiratory muscles and muscles of the gastrointestinal tract weakness indicate the nature of aspiration pneumonia. The general condition of the patient during hospitalization changed - periods of improvement within the first 3 weeks of treatment were then followed by deterioration of health. Respiratory failure was joined by blood circulation failure. Intensive and long lasting three months therapy of a patient had fatal outcome due to the development of ARDS and multiple organ failure. Conclusion. Despite growing awareness of this disease and better methods of treatment mortality rate is still high among patients with MS and ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease which affects the central nervous system and is linked to autoimmune disorders. Although the precise causes of multiple sclerosis remain unknown, some evidence points towards hypovitaminosis D. Apart from the maintenance of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, vitamin D also plays a major role in other aspects of human health. It is caused by the vitamin D receptor, which is present in many human organs and tissues. Vitamin D is an immunomodulating factor and accordingly has a potential to be effective in both preventing and treating autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis. The aim of this review was to present up-to-date knowledge about vitamin D, especially its impact on risk of multiple sclerosis onset, relapses, and potential to modify the immune response. A further objective was to describe the role of vitamin D supplementation and its provision in the everyday diet for both prevention and treatment of multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Demyelination lesions found in the central nervous system of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may adversely affect their spatial orientation, including disturbed subjective visual vertical (SVV). Aim. Assessment of spatial orientation in MS patients by SVV test. Material and methods. Sixty subjects, including 30 MS patients, underwent SVV evaluation in Balance Division Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Lodz. The SVV equipment has been developed in cooperation with Institute of Electronics, Technical University of Lodz. The SVV was measured in total 30 times under three different conditions for: right and left eye viewing and both eyes viewing in clockwise and counterclockwise direction, 5 times in each direction. Results. In the MS patients, the mean SVV values for all paradigms were significantly higher compared with the control group: 2.8°±2.46° vs. 0.87°±0.47°, respectively (both eyes viewing). Abnormal SVV were observed significantly more frequently in MS patients than in control group, 33.3% vs. 0%, respectively. Conclusions. Conclusions. Deviation of SVV is frequent in MS patients and may be responsible for spatial disorientation. Application of new-developed noninvasive equipment facilitates quantitative assessment of spatial orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of contemporary neuropsychological analyses lay foundation for a broad discussion of the nature and causes of cognitive deficits in MS patients. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the level of alternating attention and dominant reaction inhibition in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients, with consideration of their mood level, age and disease duration. Method. Experimental group consisted of 43 adults (30 women and 13 men) diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, with Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) results ranging between 2.5-6.5. Control group comprised 38 healthy adults (26 women and 12 men) selected according to sex, age and education. The following tasks were used in the study: the Trail Making Test A and B (TMT), Stroop Colour-Word Test (SCWT), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results. Experimental group was characterized by significantly worse performance in TMT (p<0.001) and SCWT (p<0.001) than the control group. No differences were observed in performance of TMT (p>0.05) and SCWT (p>0.05) in the experimental group between subjects with depressed and neutral mood. Disease duration proved significantly related to the level of dominant reaction inhibition (p<0.001). Conclusions. Cognitive impairments within areas of concentration, attention shifting and dominant reaction inhibition were all revealed in the experimental group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitoxantrone is an antineoplastic agent approved for clinical use in the secondary progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS). Several scientific reports indicate that mitoxantrone acts through the induction of short-term cell lysis at high concentrations and long-term induction of programmed cell death at lower concentrations of antigen-presenting cells. In this paper, we present the potential cytotoxic effects of mitoxantrone on the cells of the immune system, whose activity is associated with their degenerative effects on axonal myelin sheaths. The article also evaluates the results from the hospital treatment of patients diagnosed with MS. The presented data indicate that, apart from the cytostatic properties, mitoxantrone also exhibits side effects of its clinical application. This drug has high cardiotoxicity, and is associated with decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and increased risk of congestive heart failure. Therefore researchers are currently looking for new substances that can reduce the toxic effects of mitoxantrone in healthy tissues, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species during its metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, occurs most commonly in adults between 20 and 40 years of age. Etiology of this disease is still not known, and one of the analyzed environmental factors is food. In this study, based on literature, discusses the impact of dietary intake of food on the occurrence and development of the disease. This study demonstrated that patients with multiple sclerosis less than healthy people ate bread and cereal products, fish, some vegetables and fruits. While patients often consumed an animal products, whole milk and sweets. It also discusses Swank's diet, which suggest that the severity of symptoms disease may be responsible food of animal origin, which is rich in saturated fatty acids. The author found that patients who comply a diet, after 34 years of application, the risk of death due to multiple sclerosis was three times lower than in those who have not complied with all the dietary recommendations. Moreover, research demonstrated a correlation between deficiency of omega-3, vitamin D, B12, antioxidant vitamins and folic acid in diet, and the development and exacerbation of symptoms of multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Goal: The aim of this study was to answer the following research question: whether and for what features of self-image there are differences between patients in the phases of remission and relapse of multiple sclerosis? Participants: The study was carried out in a group of 108 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The patients' disa-bility score on EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) was 2.13 points and mean disease duration was 4.3 years. The mean age of the participants was 32.3 years. In the course of the study, the patients were on interferon-beta therapy. During that period, they were in remission of multiple sclerosis. Method: The instruments employed for this study included ACL-37 and a socio-demographic survey designed by the present author. Self-images of patients in the phases of flare-up and remission of MS symptoms were compared using Student's t-test. Conclusions: 1. The actual image of the patients in relapse is more negative than self-image in remission of the disease. 2. Patients in relapse are characterized by intensified negative attitude towards themselves; they avoid competition, tend to withdraw from activities aimed at achieving long-term goals and expect quick gratification. Those patients experience greater emotional lability and have impaired control over their emotions. Social interactions arouse in them a strong ambivalence and make them adopt a defensive attitude. The experience of severe symptoms of MS makes the patients focus on themselves. 3. Patients in remission of multiple sclerosis, compared with the functioning of patients during exacerbation of MS, are better at identifying and achieving goals, even long-term ones. They have a greater need for achievement. They believe that they work more efficiently. It is easier for them to use their resources and they more effectively cope with the requirements of adult life. They become more sponta-neous. Their need for attention from surrounding people increases. They are better at controlling their emotions and they more strongly seek social contact. 4. Both remission and relapse patients tend to seek stability and continuity, and to avoid risky situations. The patients are vigilant and reserved in social interaction. They solicit the support of people whom they consider stronger and more effective in action. They have a sense of personal failure. They view themselves as impulsive individuals who escape from direct experience into the world of dreams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal: The aim of this article was to present the emotional functioning of patients facing the diagnosis of the chronic disease Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: The instruments used in the study included a socio-demographic questionnaire, Cattell's Self-Analysis Form and the Beck Depression Inventory. Participants: The study included a group of 108 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 69 healthy controls (31 women and 38 men). The patients' disability score on Kurtzke's EDSS scale was 2.13 points. (2.0 points in the female group and 2.2 points in the male group). In the study period, all patients were in remission of MS symptoms. Results and Conclusions: The analyses revealed that there were statistically significant differences between MS patients and healthy controls regarding the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Compared to healthy subjects, MS patients significantly more often experienced symptoms of depression in the sphere of emotions, somatic reactions and social relations. MS patients were characterized by significantly higher levels of overt, covert and general anxiety and higher levels of needs and drives, self-dissatisfaction, suspicious-ness, guilt and neurotic behavior than healthy controls. There were no significant differences in depressive symptoms between female and male patients. Men with MS, compared to female patients, were significantly more prone to neurotic behavior, self-blame and suspiciousness, and had more intense needs and drives and higher levels of overt and general anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to find differences between the features of self-image of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and healthy subjects. The Adjective Check List were used to assess 70 healthy subjects enrolled into a control group and 108 MS patients treated at three institutions running the interferon-beta treatment program, located in Podkarpackie Voivodeship: the MSWiA Hospital in Rzeszów, the Specialist Hospital of the Holy Family in Rudna Mała and the Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów. The results of statistical analyses revealed that patients with MS differed significantly from healthy individuals with regard to their self-image characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Od około 40 lat, dokonano szeregu zmian w zakresie rehabilitacji osób ze stwardnieniem rozsianym (SR). Było to możliwe dzięki wynikom licznych badań polegających na weryfikacji skuteczności poszczególnych programów leczniczych czy też pojedynczych metod. W ostatnich latach przeprowadzono szereg badań klinicznych, których wyniki wykazały skuteczność i istotny wpływ systematycznie prowadzonej rehabilitacji na jakość życia oraz przedłużenie okresu aktywności życiowej i zawodowej osób z SR, pomimo braku poprawy funkcjonalnej. Wykazano, że rehabilitacja w połączeniu z farmakoterapią wpływa na poprawę sprawności fizycznej, pozytywnie oddziałuje na samopoczucie chorych, a także zmniejsza nasilenie objawów choroby. Rehabilitacja daje pacjentowi możliwość wytworzenia pozytywnego obrazu siebie, wzmacnia poczucie własnej wartości i przydatności, a przez to powoduje zmianę w postrzeganiu jakości życia. Celem pracy jest omówienie nowych rozwiązań obecnie stosowanych w rehabilitacji osób z SR. Since about 40 years has been made a number of changes in the field of rehabilitation patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). That was possible due to the results of numerous studies involving the verification of the effectiveness of various treatment programs or individual methods. In recent years, a number of clinical trials have shown the effectiveness and the significant impact of systematic rehabilitation on quality of life and extend the period of active life in a social and a professional aspect. It has been shown that the rehabilitation combined with pharmacological treatment helps to improve the physical, improve the patient's well being, as well as to reduce the severity of symptoms. Rehabilitation gives the patient the possibility of a positive self-image production, enhances self-esteem and fitness, and thus causes a change in the perception of quality of life. The aim of the paper is to discuss the solutions currently used in the treatment of patients with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychiatria Polska is the property of Editorial Committee of Polish Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease of the central nervous system that inevitably concludes with permanent disability. Despite a significant in immunotherapy, there is an increase in the number of patients requiring full-time care and assistance in performing basic everyday tasks. Specific symptoms of the disease are caused by damage in almost every functional systems of the central nervous system. The consequences of psychological, cognitive and psychosocial nature cause amajor decrease in the quality of life. Palliative care is reservedmostly for oncological patients, rarely involving other groups of patients.Multiple sclerosis patients also require such care, but inmost of the cases it is unavailable in the Polish scale of things. Thus there is a need for providing support for the patientswith themost serious disability,who are forced to rely only on symptomatic treatment and are deprived of therapy that modifies the course of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medical Rehabilitation / Rehabilitacja Medyczna is the property of Medical Rehabilitation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most prevalent neurological diseases. It is twice as frequent in women as in men. It contributes to sexual dysfunctions that have complex etiology and negative impact on patients' quality of life as well as their relationships. Unfortunately, sexual concerns in MS women often remain unrecognized and untreated. The authors present the current state of knowledge and propose a therapeutical algorithm for the treatment of MS female sexual dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although regulatory T cells (Treg) represent only 5-10% of CD4 + cells, their suppressor activity in the body focused on autoreactive lymphocytes diminished inflammatory reactions during the course of autoimmune diseases. Presently, numerous studies indicate that Treg cells may be the target or therapeutic tool of intervention in autoimmune diseases. The article presents current information regarding function of Treg and their participation in multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis in man and in corresponding animal models of the diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beta interferon is the first-line immunomodulatory agent approved for remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis. Several preparations of interferon beta 1b and interferon beta 1a are available for treatment. The author reviews the publications on 13 open-label studies comparing the efficacy of interferon beta preparations. Based on current clinical data we can conclude that differences in efficacy between various preparations of beta interferon are subtle and often undetectable. Therefore, the individual patient response to particular treatment, tolerability, administration route, compliance and costs of the treatment should determine the therapeutic decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article gives an overview of research on the correlation between the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease and stress. It also discusses the most frequently verified hypotheses and methodological difficulties that researchers must face. Results presented here indicate that the relationship between MS and stress is very complex and is dependent on a variety of biological and psychological factors. Importance of the following aspects is considered: the prevalence and intensity of stressful events, strategies to cope with stress, personality, viral infections, cardiovascular and immunological systems activity and neurodegenerative processes. The reciprocal relation between stress and MS is also analyzed. Recent hypotheses focus on the impact of stress on changes in endocrine and immunological systems and their role in the dynamics of the disease. The foundations of such reasoning are the results of studies on the effects of stress on the immune system via the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and autonomic nervous system. Although there are a number of hypotheses about the activity of the HPA in the course of MS, we still do not know whether it is conducive to progression of the disease or it is the consequence of neurodegenerative processes. All the knowledge gathered so far gives no grounds for an unequivocal conclusion on how stress influences the biological response and the worsening of the disease associated with it. In spite of their ambiguity, the results of previous studies encourage specific therapeutic interventions, examples of which the reader will find in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stwardnienie rozsiane jest uważane za chorobę demielinizacyjną o podłożu immunologicznym, niejasna pozostaje jednak nadal jego patogeneza, zatem wybór optymalnej metody postępowania jest trudny. Celem niniejszej pracy jest analiza teorii naczyniowej patogenezy SM oraz ewentualnych nowych opcji terapeutycznych. Zaskakująca jest liczba elementów wspólnych dla teorii naczyniowej SM, jak również efektów uszkodzenia naczyń mózgowych w przebiegu krwawienia podpajęczynówkowego. Dodatkowo, w odniesieniu do aktualnych badań za zły stan kliniczny chorych po SAH wydaje się odpowiadać nie tyle reaktywne zwężenie naczyń tętniczych, co miejscowa reakcja zapalna powstająca w wyniku działania wynaczynionej krwi. Logiczna wydaje się zatem propozycja zastosowania m.in. nimodypiny w ostrych rzutach SM leczenia podobnego jak terapia ostrego pogorszenia stanu neurologicznego w SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: To evaluate sexual functioning and sexual quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to investigate how it is correlated with the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions. Material and methods: We have investigated women with definite multiple sclerosis. The data were obtained through an interview, self-administered questionnaires including the Female Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ28) and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire - Female Version (SQoL-F), and neurological examination using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Appropriate analyses were performed to investigate the differences between subgroups and relevant correlations. Results: 137 women at the mean age of 50.7, with MS duration of 16.4 years and EDSS score of 5.2 have completed the study. The most common sexual dysfunctions were hypoactive sexual desire, arousal and orgasmic dysfunctions. They were much more prevalent in comparison to the general population of Polish women. The mean SQoL-F score was 63.4 and it was much higher in women who assessed their relationship with the partner positively. A strong positive correlation between the occurrence of a particular sexual dysfunction, sexual and relationship enjoyment and the sexual quality of life was found. Conclusions: The study indicates that sexual dysfunctions are much more prevalent in MS women and confirms an important influence of sexual dysfunctions on their sexual quality of life. Preserving a good relationship with the partner is a significant factor that improves sexual functioning and quality of life irrespective of the degree of neurological impairment. This should be taken into account when considering therapeutic solutions in MS female patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by apathy, indifference, exhaustion, and lack of energy, and these symptoms are not the result of intense physical or mental work. Chronic fatigue syndrome often accompanies patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of social and demographic factors on clinical status and level ofchronic fatigue syndrome in patients with MS. Material and methods. The study group comprised 33 MS patients who were treated at the Department of Rehabilitation and Department of Neurology with the Stroke Treatment Unit from November 20, 2010 to 27 April 2011. The research applied a questionnaire containing social and demographic data and the Barthel Scale, Beck-s Depression Inventory (BDI), the Kurtzke Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale. The results were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics and Spearman-s rank correlation coefficient. Results. Statistically significant correlations were confirmed between functional status assessed in the Barthel scale and subjects- age, disease duration, and the results in the Kurtzke Scale. No statistically significant relationship between the BDI and the analyzed factors was obtained. Significant statistical correlation was obtained between the scores obtained in the Fatigue Severity Scale and family status in the study group. There was also found a weak correlation between the results in the Barthel Scale and Beck Depression Inventory and scores in the Fatigue Severity Scale. Conclusions. A significant statistical correlation was confirmed between the results on Fatigue Severity Scale and family status, occurring depression and functional capacity in carrying out activities of daily living. There was no statistically significant correlation between such factors as gender, place of residence, education, faith, disease duration and prevalence ofchronic fatigue syndrome in patients with MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polimery is the property of Industrial Chemistry Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Neurotrophins regulate neuronal survival and differentiation, and facilitate synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS). Although neurons are the major source of neurotrophic factors, they are also expressed within the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) fraction of the immunological system. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), causing cognitive impairment in approximately half of the patients. In MS additional neurotrophic support from PBMCs might compensate the relative neurotrophin deficiency in the damaged CNS tissue that needs to be repaired. Neurotrophins, namely nerve growth factor (NGF), brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5), may exert a po tentially neuroprotective role in MS-damaged CNS, in - fluencing the structural brain atrophy rate and functional connectivity, with both these aspects contributing to cognitive performance in MS patients. So far a lot of evidence has been gathered based on animal model studies, and evidence from studying human disease is gradually emerging. The association between neurotrophins and the CNS cholinergic system has been underlined; however, the exact mechanism of neurotrophin-mediated neuroprotection is not yet fully understood. Neurotrophins have been considered as potential novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, especially those with cognitive involvement. The aim of this review is to present the role of neurotrophins in the context of MS-related cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids, of which calcitriol is the most biologically active component. Research conducted in the last decade has indicated a role for vitamin D in pathogenesis of disorders of the central nervous system. The evidence for the role of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, dementia, stroke, epilepsy, autism, schizophrenia and depression is discussed. This evidence is mainly based on studies that searched for an association between vitamin D blood levels or vitamin D intake and the incidence or the course of disease. Conclusions from clinical research on the value of vitamin D supplementation support the hypothesis of vitamin D involvement in multiple sclerosis. Data indicating a role of prenatal vitamin D deficiency in pathogenesis of schizophrenia and autism are referred to. The results obtained in animal models of vitamin D deficiency and molecular research on effects of vitamin D in pathogenesis of the aforementioned diseases are presented. They show that calcitriol is a neurosteroid that influences central nervous system development and regulates the activity of the immune system. Up-to-date information on vitamin D supplementation is included. The need for use of higher doses of calcitriol and the safety of doses of calcitriol up to 10 000 IU daily are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis is a neuroimmunological disease in which etiologic agents have not been identified yet. The etiology of MS is complex in its nature and may involve many different agents acting simultaneously or in a cascade manner leading to the development of the disease. The causes of MS development were sought among the factors associated with HLA and TCR genes and human endogenous retroviruses (HERV). Environmental factors such as bacterial, fungal and viral infections as well as potential participation of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of the disease have also been examined. The current state of knowledge concerning potential factors participating in the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis has been reviewed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are currently more than 80 different autoimmune diseases, affecting approximately 100 million people worldwide. The etiology of most autoimmune diseases is unknown. The highest incidence of these diseases is in the developed countries and they are more common in women than in men. Among the most often listed factors responsible for the onset of autoimmunity are genetic predisposition and the phenomenon known as molecular mimicry. The latter stems from a similarity between microbial antigens and antigens present in the human body (self antigens). It is believed that such homology is responsible for the production of auto-antibodies and in consequence attack of the immune system against host tissues and organs. However, the main molecular factors responsible for these diseases in most cases remain unknown. While pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases indicates the presence of molecular mimicry, at the same time the similarities between the own and foreign structures do not always result in autoimmunity. Therefore, prediction of such crucial homology responsible for the development of autoimmune disease is extremely difficult. In this paper we present examples of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, reactive arthritis and the potential contribution of micro-organisms to the mechanism of molecular mimicry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system with unclear etiology. It is progressive, has an unpredictable course and is among the most common causes of neurological disability in young and middle-aged adults. The aim of this study is to describe the current studies, which relate to psychological functioning of patients with a diagnosis of MS. This study has showed that MS patients cope differently from normal controls. In addition, patients with MS seem to employ coping strategies that are not optimal for the adaption to their disease. Based on current research, it is difficult to formulate definite conclusions about coping with stress in patients with MS. Future studies are needed to replicate, supplement these findings and should take into account the current methodological limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Nursing / Pielegniarstwo Polskie is the property of Poznan University of Medical Sciences Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Most recent reports on the etiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) point to impaired venous outflow from the central nervous system as a possible cause of the disease. Based on these findings, it could be theorized that treating lesions which exist within the veins draining the central nervous system may be beneficial to subjects with MS. Material and metods: Four subjects underwent endovascular correction of the venous outflow and some of them experienced alleviation of their MS-related symptoms after the procedure. Results and conclusions: At this moment, it is very difficult to establish if there are real benefits arising from endovascular therapy for these patients. However, early results are very encouraging and studying larger patient populations may bring answers to many important questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS), like most autoimmune diseases, affects women more commonly than men. The prevalence of the disease is much greater in women and tends to follow a different clinical course than it follows in the affected male population. There is also a female preponderance of relapsing-remitting (RR) MS (female to male ratio of 3:1), whereas in primary progressive (PP) MS men are affected as frequently as women are. Among the factors that affect the MS differences in immunological response in men and women, the role of sex and steroid hormones and gender-associated genetic factors are considered. Widely observed changes in disease activity in women during pregnancy, as well as the influence of menstrual cycle, oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy on the disease may confirm the role of sex hormones in susceptibility and pathogenesis of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]