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Neuroprotection in Multiple Sclerosis: A Therapeutic Approach

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Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is pathologically characterized by inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration. Axonal damage, along with neuronal loss, occurs from disease onset and may lead to progressive and permanent disability. In contrast with the inflammatory pathways, the molecular mechanisms leading to MS neurodegeneration remain largely elusive. With improved understanding of these mechanisms, new potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection have emerged. We review the current understanding of neurodegenerative processes at play in MS and discuss potential outcome measures and targets for neuroprotection trials.

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Acknowledgments

Amir Hadi Maghzi is funded by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (http://www.msif.org) through a McDonald’s Fellowship. Dr. Waubant is funded by the National MS Society, the NIH and the Nancy Davis Foundation. No funding was received for preparation of this manuscript.

Disclosures

Dr. Waubant has received honoraria for three educational talks from Biogen Idec, Genentech, and Roche. She is an ad hoc consultant for Actelion and Sanofi Aventis. She has received free medication for a clinical trial from Sanofi Aventis and Biogen Idec. She is currently participating in clinical trials sponsored by Roche and Biogen Idec. Drs. Minagar and Maghzi have nothing to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 675 Nelson Rising Lane, 2nd floor, Room 221F, Box 3206, 94158, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Amir-Hadi Maghzi & Emmanuelle Waubant

  2. Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA

    Alireza Minagar

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  1. Amir-Hadi Maghzi
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  2. Alireza Minagar
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  3. Emmanuelle Waubant
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Correspondence to Amir-Hadi Maghzi.

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Maghzi, AH., Minagar, A. & Waubant, E. Neuroprotection in Multiple Sclerosis: A Therapeutic Approach. CNS Drugs 27, 799–815 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-013-0093-7

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