Beth Zastawny Examines Five Areas Of Research That Could Change MS Treatment

Stem Cells Transplant Institute

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that affects around a million people in the U.S., which is almost half of the global total. While there have been treatments developed including certain medications since the disease was first identified more than a century ago, researchers continue to study MS and work towards new breakthroughs that could change the lives of many.

With a career in accounting under her belt and a history of athletic achievements, Beth Zastawny in Ludlow, Massachusetts, lives with MS and knows how challenging it can be from day-to-day. However, as an advocate, she remains encouraged by scientists who are pushing forward in specific areas of research.

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell research aims to find ways to better understand diseases and to repair damaged tissue (also known as regenerative medicine). In the case of MS patients, it targets the loss of myelin that protects nerves, which can be the culprit behind many MS symptoms, according to Beth Zastawny.

However, there’s also some preliminary evidence that stem cell therapy could stabilize or even improve the cognitive abilities of patients, which are commonly affected. For example, a Canadian-led study suggests that those who received the therapy demonstrated cognitive stability 48-weeks following.

The study used stem cells taken from the patients, multiplied, and infused back into the patients. The key markers such as learning capacity and memory were measured following the 48-week period, and some patients even showed improvement according to the report.

New Medications

Currently, there are a number of FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of MS, some of them “disease-modifying” that target the underlying condition. Researchers continue to look for new medications to improve the lives of patients, notes Beth Zastawny.

Two new drug treatments were approved recently that address various forms of the disease, including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) which is the most common in the earlier stages. But researchers are also looking at other experimental medications that may reduce the number of lesions associated with MS.

For example, preliminary studies of medication being evaluated called Evobrutinib (M2951) showed promise in trial patients in the first 24-weeks. It works by blocking a particular enzyme (BTK), and the study leaders say it may the first of its kind to reduce disease activity.

Vitamin Intake

On a non-pharmaceutical level, researchers are also examining what role a lack of vitamin D in particular plays in the development of MS.

The driver behind this is that the disease tends to affect those in countries that are furthest from the equator, meaningless vitamin D production due to less sunlight. Research is focusing on whether vitamin D could be a future treatment, but some earlier findings suggest it can lower the risk while providing some relief of symptoms.

Genetic Research

Scientists continue to examine possible genetic links between family members with MS, says Beth Zastawny.

Researchers are looking for genetic variants as well as identifying new genes that could unlock clues for those with MS or are deemed to be at risk. So far, there have been more than 200 genetic variants identified, and the hope is that this area of study will help treat and even predict the disease down the road.

Beth Zastawny on Gut Microbiome Studies

 More research is taking place examining the relationship between the bacteria and other microbes in the gut to certain health conditions. While there has been some evidence to suggest that gut bacteria can influence mood disorders, for example, there are also studies that point to how it could influence the progression of MS.

Beth Zastawny cites a study that shows the balance of the gut microbiome could even help prevent the disease in those who have been assessed high-risk. Researchers are also looking at how certain diets may be beneficial to patients – there are already some findings that suggest a “Mediterranean-type diet” with a limited amount of unprocessed red meat could help prevent neurodegeneration, she adds.

As a supporter and voice for MS research, she continues to keep a close eye on new developments that can benefit patients.

Popular on True Activist