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The article presents a study which investigates the association of disease activity and retinol in multiple sclerosis (MS). The study repeatedly assessed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and serum-retinol. The result of the study shows that serum retinol was inversely linked with subsequent and simultaneous MRI outcomes in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMs).

Objective: To study whether tobacco use is associated with MRI and clinical disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)., Methods: Prospective cohort study of 87 patients with relapsing-remitting MS originally included in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in MS (the OFAMS Study). Serum levels of cotinine (biomarker of tobacco use) were analyzed at baseline and every 6 months for 2 years. MRI activity was assessed at baseline and monthly for 9 months and after 12 and 24 months., Results: Fifty-three patients (61%) had serum cotinine levels ≥85 nmol/L on ≥60% of the measurements and were considered tobacco users and 34 (39%) had cotinine levels <85 nmol/L, consistent with non-tobacco use. There was no association between tobacco use and the occurrence of new gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions, new or enlarging T2 lesions, or their aggregate (combined unique activity). Furthermore, there was no association between cotinine levels and MRI activity for the tobacco users, and tobacco users did not have more relapses or Expanded Disability Status Scale progression., Conclusion: Our results indicate that tobacco use does not directly influence MRI activity or relapse rate in MS. This may implicate that the reported association between smoking and MS disease progression could be mediated through other mechanisms.

Background: Previous reports indicate an association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody levels and multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity, but the results have been conflicting., Objectives: The objective of this paper is to study if EBV antibody levels reflect MRI disease activity in MS and examine the potential for EBV antibody levels as biomarkers for treatment response., Methods: A total of 87 MS patients were followed for two years prior to and during interferon beta (IFNB) treatment, with MRI examinations and serum measurement of IgM and IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA), EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA-1) and early antigen (EA). Associations between EBV antibody levels and MRI activity were assessed by a logistic regression model., Results: Higher anti-EBNA-1 IgG levels were associated with increased MRI activity, OR = 2.95 (95% CI 1.07-8.10; p = 0.036) for combined unique activity (CUA; the sum of T1Gd+ lesions and new or enlarging T2 lesions). Although most patients were anti-VCA IgM negative, there was an inverse association, OR = 0.32 (95% CI 0.12-0.84; p = 0.021) with CUA during IFNB treatment., Conclusions: This study supports an association between anti-EBNA-1 IgG levels and MS disease activity. We also found an inverse association with anti-VCA IgM levels during IFNB treatment not previously described, indicating anti-VCA IgM as a possible biomarker for IFNB treatment response., (© The Author(s), 2014.)

Background: Vitamin A has immunomodulatory properties and may regulate the transcription of genes involved in remyelination., Objective: To investigate the association between retinol and disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS)., Methods: Cohort study of 88 relapsing-remitting MS patients, originally included in a randomised placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in MS (the OFAMS study), followed prospectively for 24 months with repeated assessments of serum-retinol and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients were initiated on interferon β-1a after month 6., Results: Each 1 µmol/L increase in serum-retinol reduced the odds (95% confidence interval) for new T1 gadolinium enhanced (Gd(+)) lesions by 49 (8-70)%, new T2 lesions by 42 (2-66)%, and combined unique activity (CUA) by 46 (3-68)% in simultaneous MRI scans, and 63 (25-82)% for new T1Gd(+) lesions, 49 (3-73)% for new T2 lesions and 43 (12-71)% for CUA the subsequent month. Serum-retinol also predicted new T1Gd(+) and T2 lesions six months ahead. The associations were not affected by HLA-DRB1*15, or serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, eicosapentaenoic acid or docosahexaenoic acid., Conclusion: Serum retinol is inversely associated with simultaneous and subsequent MRI outcomes in RRMS.

Background: The motor and non-motor symptoms of multiple sclerosis often result in a substantially reduced health-related quality of life. We surveyed patient satisfaction and own evaluation of the benefit of a period spent at a specialised rehabilitation centre., Material and Method: All patients who spent a period at the Hakadal MS rehabilitation centre in 2010 were asked to complete a validated questionnaire designed to determine patient satisfaction with rehabilitation institutions., Results: Of a total of 339 patients, 277 (82%) returned the questionnaire. The great majority of respondents were satisfied with the knowledge, cooperation, care and engagement of those providing treatment, as well as with the advance information provided and the premises. They also found that they were consulted concerning their rehabilitation programme and that they were prepared for the period following their stay. More than 85% of the respondents stated that the stay would have major or very great importance for their general qualify of life and physical health. A similar score for mental health was given by 83%, mastery of day-to-day tasks by 77% and participation in social activities by 71%., Interpretation: Patients who have had stays at the Hakadal MS rehabilitation centre are satisfied and feel that the stay will be of great importance to their level of functioning and mastery.