Current Treatments
BETASERON® (interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis

AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) is a 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of AVONEX® is identical to that of natural human interferon beta.

COPAXONE is the brand name for glatiramer acetate (formerly known as copolymer-1). Glatiramer acetate, the active ingredient of COPAXONE, consists of the acetate salts of synthetic polypeptides, containing four naturally occurring amino acids: L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine, and L-lysine with an average molar fraction of 0.141, 0.427, 0.095, and 0.338, respectively. The average molecular weight of glatiramer acetate is 5,000 – 9,000 daltons. Glatiramer acetate is identified by specific antibodies.

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is a purified 166 amino acid glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 22,500 daltons. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary cells into which the human interferon beta gene has been introduced. The amino acid sequence of Rebif® is identical to that of natural fibroblast derived human interferon beta. Natural interferon beta and interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) are glycosylated with each containing a single N-linked complex carbohydrate moiety.

Tysabri is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage. Tysabri is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. 		Gilenya™ is a new class of medication called a phingosine 1-phosphate receptormodulator, which is thought to act by retaining certain white blood cells (lympohcytes) in the lymph nodes, thereby preventing those cells from crossing the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system (CNS). Preventing the entry of these cells into the CNS reduces inflammatory damage to nerve cells.

Early Symptoms
The most common early symptoms of MS include:
* Tingling * Numbness
* Loss of balance
* Weakness in one or more limbs
* Blurred or double vision

Less common symptoms of MS may include
* Slurred speech
* Sudden onset of paralysis
* Lack of coordination
* Cognitive difficulties
Listed above, the early symptoms. I tend to be a poster child for these. The symptoms that occur later on are too numerous just to list. There will be a link included that will get you to a site where these symptoms are listed and explained. Keep in mind that someone may have some of these or many of these, there is no way to tell.
Multiple sclerosis statistics show that approximately 250,000 to 350,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with this disease. The life expectancy for people with multiple sclerosis is nearly the same as for those without MS. Because of this, multiple sclerosis statistics place the annual cost of MS in the United States in the billions of dollars. MS is five times more prevalent in temperate climates -- such as those found in the northern United States, Canada, and Europe -- than in tropical regions. Furthermore, the age of 15 seems to be significant in terms of risk for developing the disease. Some studies indicate that a person moving from a high-risk (temperate) to a low-risk (tropical) area before the age of 15 tends to adopt the risk (in this case, low) of the new area and vice versa. Other studies suggest that people moving after age 15 maintain the risk of the area where they grew up.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Your Body Needs Them. Fish Make Them. Beneficial Omega-3s Have Everyone Talking.


If you've ever wondered exactly what “omega-3s” are and why they seem to be such a big deal in the health world, you're not alone.
What Are They?





Omega-3s are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids commonly found in fish, yet not so commonly in the diet of the average American. While we don't know everything about omega-3s yet, our bodies clearly crave them, and for good reason. Omega-3s have been linked to better heart health and fewer chronic diseases, and our bodies can't build some cells without them. Let's run down the most important facts about omega-3s:
Your Body Needs Omega-3s but Can't Produce Them

This strange situation is especially important for children in the womb, who need omega-3s for brain growth. Some groups like the Inuit may have once obtained fatty acids in greater quantity by eating fish. As their diets shifted, they may have lost their ready supply of omega-3s.
There Are 3 Main Types of Omega-3s

Though your body doesn't produce omega-3s on its own, it can synthesize two of the fatty acids it really needs—EPA and DHA—from the more common alphalinolenic acid, or ALA, found in leafy greens, nuts, flax, and some other plants. Scientists, however, believe more research is needed into ALA.
Your Heart May Benefit from Omega-3s

The fatty acids have been shown by numerous studies to lower high blood pressure, decrease triglyceride levels, slow the growth of atherosclerotic plaque, and decrease risk of arrhythmia. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week and, for those with documented heart conditions, taking omega-3 supplements. You Can Obtain Quality Omega-3s from Fish Oil

Omega3s are found in greatest concentration in fatty fish, including mackerel, salmon, and tuna. Their natural oils can be distilled, deodorized and pollutants removed; you'll find fish oil pills in many health stores. Cod liver oil is traditionally taken to boost levels of vitamins A and D. Be careful, you can actually overdose on both vitamins. Other fish oil supplements don’t necessarily have high levels of vitamins A & D. Besides, cod liver oil doesn't taste very good to most people, especially compared to freshly grilled tuna.
You Can Obtain Some Omega-3s from Plants

Leafy vegetables, soy, walnuts, almonds, flax seed, flax seed oil, soy-based oils, and some seaweeds have ALA, a type of omega-3, but scientists are still researching the benefits of ALA as opposed to EPA and DHA. New findings, however, suggest plant-based omega-3s may be good for bone health.
Don't Take More Than the Recommended Dosage

Consult your doctor for the best advice, but some experts recommend 500 milligrams per day for those without documented heart conditions and 1 gram per day for those who have heart trouble. Certainly, if you're allergic to fish, pass on fish oil.
What About Mercury?

It's considered one of the great ironies of modern health medicine, but the best way to get omega-3s is from fish, and fish are increasingly seen as a risky food due to high mercury levels. In particular, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel can contain more mercury than other seafood. Read up on which fish have the least mercury, and moderate how much you eat.
And Remember…

Research on the benefits of omega-3s has only recently picked up steam, and new studies are published frequently. Initial findings from recent studies, for example, suggest that omega-3s may enhance cognitive abilities and even improve memory. There are also new studies underway to determine whether the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s on the central nervous system may be useful to treat depression, especially among MS patients.

Whether you get your omega-3s from capsules or from more chewable forms, happy supplementing.

FROM:


www.moveoverms.org




























Posted by Steve at Saturday, September 19, 2009

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About Me

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North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States
Well-educated, disabled at this point with Multiple Sclerosis. I am very glad that I was able to do the things that I have been able to do over the years. had to change the picture, this one's more realistic.