Just saw this annoucement
on findings posted in Nature Medicine about positive findings using Cannabis
that shows possible repair of damage and slowing the progression of MS in mice.
"Cannabis works because it stimulates molecules known as cannabinoid receptors
within the body. The group had previously reported that THC could alleviate
disease symptoms, and also save nerves from the damaging effects of the disease
- thus potentially, via the cannabinoid receptor CB1, slowing down the development
of progressive disability. They had not previously examined the influence of
cannabinoids on immune aspects of the disease. Now their most recent study has
successfully separated the roles of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 on neurons
and T cells, and investigated their effect in controlling central nervous system
autoimmunity. It showed that CB1 receptor expression by nerves in the brain,
but not T cells, could suppress the development of an experimental MS-like disease,
by stimulating the release of anti-inflammatory molecules, whilst in contrast
direct stimulation of CB2 receptors by T cells was also able to control inflammation
associated with the condition. This suggests that cannabis-like drugs may have
the potential to block the autoimmune response which drives disease development.
Professor David Baker said: “Whilst targeting CB1 receptors for therapy runs
the risk of causing the unwanted “high” to achieve these effects, we can
get the same result by targeting CB2 receptors, which avoids these risks. Therefore,
we can start to think about using new drugs that harness the potential medical
benefits that cannabis has to offer but move away from the issues over the legality
and recreational use of the plant product”.

Accupuncture for MS

2007-04-04 08:37:13

Must be alternative health day in the news... here's some info
on accupuncture as a treatment option for MS'ers. "While there is no cure for
the disease, acupuncturists can offer significant help managing symptoms and
side effects. In a 2002 survey of multiple sclerosis patients at the Rocky Mountain
MS Center in Boulder, Colo., more than 50 percent of patients receiving acupuncture
noted significant improvement in symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue,
muscle stiffness and numbness. Additionally, many noted improvement in walking
problems, weakness and balance, while others saw positive changes in urinary
and bowel problems. Traditional Chinese medicine, a 5,000-year-old medical tradition,
has no definitive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Many classical texts refer
to a syndrome known as a Wei (or atrophy) syndrome. There are multiple presentations
of a Wei syndrome, and each can result from different factors. These may include
any combination of improper diet, emotional stress, shock and possibly heredity.
Visits to a licensed acupuncturist for multiple sclerosis may include traditional
acupuncture, electroacupuncture (gentle electrical stimulation of meridian points)
as well as dietary advice, Qi Gong and Chinese herbs. Treatment will be designed
to help resolve symptoms as well as address underlying conditions that may cause
symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine is in no way a replacement for conventional
therapies. The medical advice of a board-certified neurologist should be followed
during any course of treatment." You know, I gotta say that I love how they
start out and end this article by saying accupuncture isn't a cure but this
could help with symptomatic care. Thats very honourable as I often see alternative
stuff suggesting they have a cure all and frankly, it negates the validity of
the treatment in my opinion. It's kinda like when someone comes up to you and
tells you that their naturopath has MS patients that they have cured and I should
go see them. Ummm ya. If there was an actual cure, don't you think the world
wide population of MS patients would know this by now!? Don't say things like
that to me. i run from those claims sceaming.

Positive Clinical Results From MN-166

2007-04-04 13:22:35

Not sure I've heard of this one yet... but good phase
II results for this drug. I don't see what method this is being given....
injectable? oral? I'm all interested in that aspect of these trials now. "The
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed a significant increase
in the proportion of patients who remained relapse-free over the first 12 months
of treatment with 60 mg per day of MN-166 compared to placebo (p=0.03). The
time to first relapse was also significantly increased in patients treated with
60 mg of MN-166 per day compared to placebo (p=0.04). Positive trends were also
observed in the annualized relapse rate (p=0.08) and number of relapses (p=0.10)
among patients who completed the full first 12 months of treatment with 60 mg
of MN-166 per day compared to those patients completing the first 12 months
of treatment on placebo. "