Neurology

Plasma clusterin a possible biomarker of AD severity

June 29, 2011

REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY (AAN) 63^RD ANNUAL MEETING, HONOLULU, HAWAII, APRIL 9-16, 2011 – Clusterin (apoJ) is a heterodimeric protein that may play a role in amyloid plaque formation by acting as an extracellular chaperone (for a review see Thambisetty M. Biomark 2010; 4: 831-834; free full text at www.futuremedicine.com/doi/abs/10.2217/bmm.10.108).

Increased clusterin levels have been found in the brain and CSF of AD patients, and clusterin gene (CLU) polymorphisms appear to be associated with AD risk (Jun et al. Arch Neurol 2010; 67: 1473-1484).

NMDA antagonists in Parkinson’s disease: meta-analysis

June 29, 2011

REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY (AAN) 63^RD ANNUAL MEETING, HONOLULU, HAWAII, APRIL 9-16, 2011 – Canadian researchers have conducted a meta-analysis of 11 trials (n=253) of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists for peak-dose levodopa-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson’s disease (AAN 2011; abstract P05.098). NMDA receptors are involved in dopamine-glutamate interactions.

The rationale for the use of anti-glutamatergic agents in levodopa-induced dyskinesias is that receptor structure and function are altered by dopamine depletion and pharmacological treatments (Hallett & Standaert. Pharmacol Ther 2004; 102: 155-174).

Oral cladribine discontinued for MS

June 29, 2011

Oral cladribine will not be marketed for multiple sclerosis and the drug will be pulled in countries where it has already received approval, according to an announcement from manufacturer Merck KGaA.

MS incidence higher in African Americans

April 15, 2011

REPORT FROM THE 63rd ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY (AAN), HONOLULU, HAWAII, APRIL 9-16, 2011 – MS is generally described as a disease that primarily affects Caucasians, however, a new study from southern California suggests that the incidence is higher in African Americans than in other racial/ethnic groups (Langer-Gould et al. AAN 2011; abstract P06.032).

Comorbidities common, delay MS diagnosis

April 15, 2011

REPORT FROM THE 63rd ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY (AAN), HONOLULU, HAWAII, APRIL 9-16, 2011 – The U.S. National Health and Wellness Survey, an annual internet survey of health behaviours, reports that people with MS more commonly report comorbidities compared to those in the general population (Meletiche et al. AAN 2011; abstract P06.045).

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