AnalyzeDirect 
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the tissue surrounding the nerve fibers in the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This covering, which coats, insulates, and protects nerves, is made of a fatty substance called myelin. When this material is destroyed, communication between the brain and the rest of the body is either slowed down or misdirected.
MS symptoms are variable and unpredictable. Depending on the location of the nerve lesion, MS patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, spasticity, balance problems, bladder and bowel complications, numbness, vision loss, tremors and depression. The cause of MS hasn’t yet been found, but scientists believe that the interaction of several different factors may play a significant role. Ongoing studies identify four factors that may contribute to the development of the disease: immunologic, environmental, infectious and genetic.
The most common form of MS is relapsing-remitting MS. Most people with MS have a relapsing-remitting course, with new symptoms (relapse) that develop over days or weeks and usually improve partially or completely, followed by a quiet period (remission) that can last months or even years.
While there is still no cure for MS, there are “disease-modifying drugs” that can reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, slow the progression of disability and manage MS symptoms, such as muscle spasms, incontinence, and pain. Azathioprine (AZA) and β interferons (IFNs) are two of the most common medications used to contrast proliferating cells involved in the pathogenesis of MS, such as T cells of the immune system, and to reduce neuron inflammation. Although early trials of AZA were small and conflicting, this drug has been used for almost three decades to treat relapsing-remitting MS. Anyhow, its efficacy is considered marginal and IFNs are recommended as first-line therapy.
Scientists from the University of Florence, Italy, compared AZA efficacy vs. IFNs on clinical and MRI measures of disease development over two years. Patients enrolled in the clinical trial, who were administered either IFNs or AZA, were compared on the base of relapse rate ratio and brain MRI scans. MRI currently offer the most sensitive non-invasive way of imaging the brain, spinal cord or other areas of the body. New brain lesions were evaluated using Analyze software comparing each scan obtained at study completion with the corresponding baseline scan.
As predicted by the investigators, the direct comparison of AZA and IFNs indicated a similar efficacy in reducing both relapses and new brain lesions. Albeit future investigations should take into account the side effects of both medications, these results prove that AZA may represent an effective, low cost, easily orally administered alternative to interferon treatment.
Tags: Multiple Sclerosis