Effect of photobiomodulation on fatigue in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by inflammation and destruction of the myelin sheath. Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of this disease, with a negative impact on quality of life and few treatment options. Photobiomodulation is used for several inflammatory conditions and may be beneficial for the treatment of fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Conduct a pilot study to analyze the effect of photobiomodulation on fatigue in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The participants were recruited from the UNINOVE Integrated Health Clinic and randomly allocated to two groups: group 1, administration of photobiomodulation (808 nm, 36 J for 360 s) under the tongue and group 2, administration of photobiomodulation over the radial artery. Fatigue was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). No significant differences were found regarding the total MFIS score or subscale scores (p < 0.05, two-way ANOVA). Photobiomodulation with the parameters employed in the present study had no effect on fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03360487.

Cannabis and multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may suffer from spasticity and pain during their disease course. Baclofen, dantrolene, diazepam and gabapentin have been used as first-line options to treat these conditions, with modest results. Medical use of marijuana smoking has bypassed traditional clinical trials and has been legalized as a therapeutic option for MS-related spasticity and pain in some countries. Cannabis-derived drugs have been tested and approved for medical use. AREAS COVERED: With the development of nabiximols by the pharmaceutical industry, more countries have made it possible for patients with MS to have legal access to cannabis-related therapies. The evidence-based data on nabiximols and MS-related spasticity, pain, and urinary symptoms is consistent. There are over 7,500 patients reported in 33 studies (12 from the United Kingdom and 11 from Italy). EXPERT OPINION: Nabiximols is safe and effective for patients with MS whose spasticity could not be treated with the first-line oral drugs. At present, legislation, bureaucracy and costs involved in prescribing this drug limit the experience of neurologists from many countries. There is no scientific evidence that smoking marijuana can be beneficial to patients with MS.

Effects of photobiomodulation on interleukin-10 and nitrites in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis - Randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the expression of IL-10 and nitrites in individuals with Relapsing-Remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), as these biomarkers play a fundamental role in the physiopathology of the disease. The modulation of IL-10 and nitrites through treatment with PBM may be a novel treatment modality for MS. METHODS: A randomized, uncontrolled, clinical trial was conducted involving 14 individuals with a diagnosis of Relapsing-Remitting MS and a score of up to 6.0 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). THE PARTICIPANTS WERE RANDOMIZED TO TWO GROUPS: Group 1 -PBM in the sublingual region; Group 2 -PBM over the radial artery. Irradiation was administered with a wavelength of 808 nm and output power of 100 mW for 360 seconds twice a week, totaling 24 sessions. Peripheral blood was analyzed for the determination of serum levels of IL-10 and nitrites. RESULTS: After treatment with PBM, the expression of IL-10 increased in both the sublingual group (pre-treatment: 2.8 ± 1.4 pg/ml; post-treatment: 8.3 ± 2.4 pg/ml) and the radial artery group (pre-treatment: 2.7 pg/ml ± 1.4; post-treatment: 11.7 ± 3.8 pg/ml). In contrast, nitrite levels were not modulated in the sublingual group (pre-treatment: 65 ± 50 nmol/mg protein; post-treatment: 51 ± 42 nmol/mg protein) or the radial artery group (pre-treatment: 51 ± 16 nmol/mg protein; post-treatment: 42 ± 7 nmol/mg protein). CONCLUSION: Treatment with PBM positively modulated the expression of IL-10 but had no effect on nitrite levels. Further studies should be conducted with a larger sample and a control group, as PBM may be a promising complementary treatment for the management of MS. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT03360487.

Effect of photobiomodulation treatment in the sublingual, radial artery region, and along the spinal column in individuals with multiple sclerosis: Protocol for a randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, for which the forms of treatment are medication and rehabilitation. However, in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that photobiomodulation can be an effective treatment modality for inflammatory diseases, including MS. Photobiomodulation has a broad range of benefits, such as the avoidance of cell and tissue death, the stimulation of healing and injury repair, reductions in pain, edema and inflammation, cell proliferation, and even apoptosis. The outcomes of photobiomodulation include the regeneration of cells, the stimulation of the growth of Schwann cells, a reduction in spasticity, functional improvements, a reduction in nitric oxide levels, and the upregulation of the cytokine IL10, demonstrating that this therapeutic modality can offer neuroprotection. METHODS: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial is proposed. The patients will be divided into 6 groups. Groups 1 and 2 will receive sham and active photobiomodulation in the sublingual region, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 will receive sham and active photobiomodulation along the spinal cord, respectively. Group 5 will receive placebo treatment with photobiomodulation on the skin in the region of the radial artery with a specific bracelet. Group 6 will be treated with photobiomodulation on the skin in the region of the radial artery. DISCUSSION: Treatment for MS is directed at the immune response and slowing the progression of the disease. This is one of the first clinical trials involving photobiomodulation in the sublingual region and along the spinal cord, which could help establish a promising new form of nonpharmacological treatment for autoimmune diseases. This is one of the first clinical trials with sublingual photobiomodulation and along the spinal cord that could help establish a new form of promising treatment of the disease associated with pharmacological treatment.

The evidence for a beneficial role of vitamin A in multiple sclerosis.

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient with important roles in immunological responses and in brain development. Its main metabolite is retinoic acid (RA), which is responsible for the neuroimmunological functions related to vitamin A. In the brain, RA is known to have interactions with other nuclear receptor-mediated signalling pathways. RA is involved in plasticity, regeneration, cognition and behaviour. In the peripheral blood, RA plays a major role both in increasing tolerance and in decreasing inflammation, through balancing T-lymphocyte populations. It is likely that RA synthesis may be manipulated by complex cross-talk among cells during infection and inflammation. The role of vitamin A in multiple sclerosis (MS) could be dual: at the same time as it decreases inflammation and increases tolerance of autoimmunity, it may also help in brain protection. The present review discusses the beneficial effects that vitamin A might have for controlling MS, although it must be clearly stated that, at the present time, there is no clear indication for using vitamin A as a treatment for MS. However, the results from the present review should encourage clinical trials with vitamin supplementation as a potential treatment or as an add-on option. Vitamin A acts in synergy with vitamin D, and the immunological homeostasis ensured by these vitamins should not be unbalanced in favour of only one of them.

Systematic review of the literature on vitamin A and memory / Revisão sistemática da literatura sobre vitamina A e memória

Over the last 30 years, a variety of studies reporting the effects of vitamin A on memory havebeen published. Objective: To perform a rigorous systematic review of the literature on vitamin A and memory in order toorganize evidence-based data on the subject. Methods: Four authors carried out the systematic review in accordance withstrict guidelines. The terms ?vitamin A? OR ?retinol? OR ?retinoic acid? AND ?memory? OR ?cognition? OR ?Alzheimer? weresearched in virtually all medical research databases. Results: From 236 studies containing the key words, 44 were selectedfor this review, numbering 10 reviews and 34 original articles. Most studies used animal models for studying vitamin Aand cognition. Birds, mice and rats were more frequently employed whereas human studies accounted for only two reportson brain tissue from autopsies and one on the role of isotretinoin in cognition among individuals taking this medicationto treat acne. Conclusion: Vitamin A may be an important and viable complement in the treatment and prevention ofAlzheimer?s disease. Clinical trials are imperative and, at present, there is no evidence-based data to recommend vitaminA supplementation for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer?s disease.

Uma variedade de artigos relatando efeitos da vitamina A na memória foram publicados nos últimos30 anos. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática rigorosa da literatura sobre vitamina A e memória, visando organizar osdados com base em evidência. Métodos: Quatro autores realizaram a revisão sistemática de acordo com recomendaçõesespecíficas para tal. Os termos ?vitamin A? OR ?retinol? OR ?retinoic acid? AND ?memory? OR ?cognition? OR ?Alzheimer?foram utilizados na pesquisa de praticamente todas as bases de dados de publicações médicas. Resultados: Dos 236artigos contendo as palavras específicas de busca, 44 foram selecionados para esta revisão, sendo10 revisões e 34 artigosoriginais. A maioria dos estudos utilizou modelos animais para avaliar vitamina A e cognição. Pássaros, camundongos e ratosforam mais frequentemente utilizados, enquanto estudos com humanos foram apenas dois relatando dados de necrópsia decérebro humano e um sobre o papel da isotretinoína na cognição de indivíduos que estavam usando esta medicação paratratar acne. Conclusão: Vitamina A pode ser um complemento importante e viável no tratamento e prevenção da doença deAlzheimer. Estudos clínicos são imperativos e, no momento, não existe evidência científica que recomende suplementaçãode vitamina A na prevenção ou tratamento da doença de Alzheimer.

Systematic review of the literature on vitamin A and memory.

BACKGROUND: Over the last 30 years, a variety of studies reporting the effects of vitamin A on memory have been published. OBJECTIVE: To perform a rigorous systematic review of the literature on vitamin A and memory in order to organize evidence-based data on the subject. METHODS: Four authors carried out the systematic review in accordance with strict guidelines. The terms "vitamin A" OR "retinol" OR "retinoic acid" AND "memory" OR "cognition" OR "Alzheimer" were searched in virtually all medical research databases. RESULTS: From 236 studies containing the key words, 44 were selected for this review, numbering 10 reviews and 34 original articles. Most studies used animal models for studying vitamin A and cognition. Birds, mice and rats were more frequently employed whereas human studies accounted for only two reports on brain tissue from autopsies and one on the role of isotretinoin in cognition among individuals taking this medication to treat acne. CONCLUSION: Vitamin A may be an important and viable complement in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Clinical trials are imperative and, at present, there is no evidence-based data to recommend vitamin A supplementation for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUÇÃO: Uma variedade de artigos relatando efeitos da vitamina A na memória foram publicados nos últimos 30 anos. OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão sistemática rigorosa da literatura sobre vitamina A e memória, visando organizar os dados com base em evidência. MÉTODOS: Quatro autores realizaram a revisão sistemática de acordo com recomendações específicas para tal. Os termos "vitamin A" OR "retinol" OR "retinoic acid" AND "memory" OR "cognition" OR "Alzheimer" foram utilizados na pesquisa de praticamente todas as bases de dados de publicações médicas. RESULTADOS: Dos 236 artigos contendo as palavras específicas de busca, 44 foram selecionados para esta revisão, sendo 10 revisões e 34 artigos originais. A maioria dos estudos utilizou modelos animais para avaliar vitamina A e cognição. Pássaros, camundongos e ratos foram mais frequentemente utilizados, enquanto estudos com humanos foram apenas dois relatando dados de necrópsia de cérebro humano e um sobre o papel da isotretinoína na cognição de indivíduos que estavam usando esta medicação para tratar acne. CONCLUSÃO: Vitamina A pode ser um complemento importante e viável no tratamento e prevenção da doença de Alzheimer. Estudos clínicos são imperativos e, no momento, não existe evidência científica que recomende suplementação de vitamina A na prevenção ou tratamento da doença de Alzheimer.

Sight-dependent quality of life and ophthalmic findings in a group of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to observe whether this parameter could be correlated to the findings of the ophthalmologic examination. METHOD: The translated and validated 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was used to assess the visual quality of life. Clinical data on MS, visual acuity, visual fields, optic coherence tomography (OCT) and disc cupping were used for assessing correlation with VFQ-25. RESULTS: The mean VFQ-25 value was 78.6 ± 18.2% in 27 patients. VFQ-25 did not correlate with patients' ages, with disability (EDSS), disease duration or medication use. Visual acuity showed a relatively poor (<60%) correlation to VFQ-25, while no correlation could be established between visual fields, OCT and disc cupping with VFQ-25. CONCLUSION: MS patients present several alterations in their eyes and sight that cannot be assessed by isolated measures. Ophthalmological examination of these patients must include many parameters not usually used in standard ophthalmologic consultations.

Sight-dependent quality of life and ophthalmic findings in a group of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis / Qualidade de vida visual e achados oftálmicos em um grupo de pacientes brasileiros com esclerose múltipla

OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to observe whether this parameter could be correlated to the findings of the ophthalmologic examination. METHOD: The translated and validated 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was used to assess the visual quality of life. Clinical data on MS, visual acuity, visual fields, optic coherence tomography (OCT) and disc cupping were used for assessing correlation with VFQ-25. RESULTS: The mean VFQ-25 value was 78.6±18.2 percent in 27 patients. VFQ-25 did not correlate with patients' ages, with disability (EDSS), disease duration or medication use. Visual acuity showed a relatively poor (<60 percent) correlation to VFQ-25, while no correlation could be established between visual fields, OCT and disc cupping with VFQ-25. CONCLUSION: MS patients present several alterations in their eyes and sight that cannot be assessed by isolated measures. Ophthalmological examination of these patients must include many parameters not usually used in standard ophthalmologic consultations.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida visual de pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM) e observar se este parâmetro pode ser relacionado aos achados do exame oftalmológico. MÉTODO: O questionário traduzido e validado 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) foi utilizado para avaliar a qualidade de vida visual. Dados clínicos da EM, acuidade visual, campo visual, tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) e escavação do disco foram utilizados para correlação com VFQ-25. RESULTADOS: A média do VFQ-25 foi 78,6±18,2 por cento em 27 pacientes. VFQ-25 não se correlacionou com a idade dos pacientes, com a incapacidade (EDSS), duração da doença ou medicação em uso. A acuidade visual mostrou uma correlação relativamente pobre (<60 por cento) com VFQ-25, enquanto não foi observada nenhuma correlação entre campo visual, OCT e escavação de disco com VFQ-25. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com EM apresentam diversas alterações oculares e na visão que não podem ser avaliadas por medidas isoladas. O exame oftalmológico destes pacientes deve incluir parâmetros que não são habitualmente utilizados em consultas oftalmológicas padronizadas.

MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment): a valuable tool for work-site identification of migraine in workers in Brazil.

CONTEXT: MIDAS was developed as a fast and efficient method for identification of migraine in need of medical evaluation and treatment. It was necessary to translate MIDAS, originally written in English, so as to apply it in Brazil and make it usable by individuals from a variety of social-economic-cultural backgrounds. OBJECTIVE: To translate and to apply MIDAS in Brazil. SETTING: Assessment of a sample of workers regularly employed by an oil refinery. SETTING: Refinaria Presidente Bernardes, Cubatão, São Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: 404 workers of the company who correctly answered a questionnaire for the identification and evaluation of headache. When the individual considered it to be pertinent to his own needs, there was the option to answer MIDAS as well. METHODS: MIDAS, originally written in English, was translated into Brazilian Portuguese by a neurologist and by a translator specializing in medical texts. The final version of the translation was obtained when, for ten patients to whom it was applied, the text seemed clear and the results were consistent over three sessions. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence and types of primary headaches, evaluation of MIDAS as a tool for identification of more severe cases. RESULTS: From the total of 419 questionnaires given to the employees, 404 were returned correctly completed. From these, 160 persons were identified as presenting headaches, 44 of whom considered it worthwhile answering MIDAS. Nine of these individuals who answered MIDAS were identified as severe cases of migraine due to disability caused by the condition. An interview on a later date confirmed these results. Three were cases of chronic daily headache (transformed migraine) and six were cases of migraine. CONCLUSIONS: MIDAS translated to Brazilian Portuguese was a useful tool for identifying severe cases of migraine and of transformed migraine in a working environment. The workers did not consider MIDAS to be difficult to answer. Their high level of voluntary participation demonstrates that this medical condition was of real interest among the workers, whether they were sufferers or not.

MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment): a valuable tool for work-site identification of migraine in workers in Brazil

CONTEXT: MIDAS was developed as a fast and efficient method for identification of migraine in need of medical evaluation and treatment. It was necessary to translate MIDAS, originally written in English, so as to apply it in Brazil and make it usable by individuals from a variety of social-economic-cultural backgrounds. OBJECTIVE: To translate and to apply MIDAS in Brazil. SETTING: Assessment of a sample of workers regularly employed by an oil refinery. SETTING: Refinaria Presidente Bernardes, Cubatäo, Säo Paulo, Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: 404 workers of the company who correctly answered a questionnaire for the identification and evaluation of headache. When the individual considered it to be pertinent to his own needs, there was the option to answer MIDAS as well. METHODS: MIDAS, originally written in English, was translated into Brazilian Portuguese by a neurologist and by a translator specializing in medical texts. The final version of the translation was obtained when, for ten patients to whom it was applied, the text seemed clear and the results were consistent over three sessions. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence and types of primary headaches, evaluation of MIDAS as a tool for identification of more severe cases. RESULTS: From the total of 419 questionnaires given to the employees, 404 were returned correctly completed. From these, 160 persons were identified as presenting headaches, 44 of whom considered it worthwhile answering MIDAS. Nine of these individuals who answered MIDAS were identified as severe cases of migraine due to disability caused by the condition. An interview on a later date confirmed these results. Three were cases of chronic daily headache (transformed migraine) and six were cases of migraine. CONCLUSIONS: MIDAS translated to Brazilian Portuguese was a useful tool for identifying severe cases of migraine and of transformed migraine in a working environment. The workers did not consider MIDAS to be difficult to answer. Their high level of voluntary participation demonstrates that this medical condition was of real interest among the workers, whether they were sufferers or not