Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in Biofilm Samples and Clinical Association in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Remission-A Pilot Study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that affects the central nervous system and can lead to neurological impairment. Our aim was to determine whether MS patients also show inflammatory changes in the oral cavity more frequently than healthy individuals. For this purpose, we examined plaque samples for various mediators and their correlation with clinical findings. A study group (MS) and a control group were examined and compared. The plaque samples were analyzed for the expression of interleukins (IL-2, -6, -10), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-7, MMP-9), and a surface antigen CD90 by quantitative real-time PCR. The clinical parameters examined were the Mombelli plaque index; bleeding on probing (BOP) index; periodontal pocket depth; and decayed, missing, and filled tooth (DMFT) index. The expression of MMP9 was significantly (p = 0.035) higher in the control group. The expression of IL-2 was increased four-fold in the MS group; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The mean PD (p < 0.001) and BOP index (p = 0.029) values were increased in the study group. The clinical parameters of the BOP index and PD were significantly amplified in the MS patients. However, no causal relationship between the investigated inflammatory mediators and the clinical findings could be established in this case series.

Breastfeeding in Mothers with Multiple Sclerosis: The German Experience.

Background: Many female people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are in childbearing age; however, only few data exist about the situation of breastfeeding in pwMS. Objective: Our study analyzed breastfeeding rate and duration, reasons for weaning, and the impact of disease severity on successful breastfeeding in pwMS. Methods: The study included pwMS giving birth within 3 years before study participation. Data were collected by structured questionnaire. Results: Compared to published data, we found a significant difference (p = 0.0007) between the nursing rate in the general population (96.6%) and females with MS (85.9%). However, a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding could be observed in our study population for 5-6 months in 40.6% of pwMS versus 9% for 6 months in the general population. In contrast, total breastfeeding duration in our study population was shorter (18.8% for 11-12 months) than in the general population (41.1% for 12 months). Reasons for weaning were predominantly (68.7%) related to breastfeeding barriers based on MS. No significant impact of prepartum or postpartum education on the breastfeeding rate could be observed. Prepartum relapse rate and prepartum disease-modifying drugs had no effect on breastfeeding success. Conclusion: Our survey provides an insight into the situation of breastfeeding in pwMS in Germany.