Researchers discover first genetic marker for severity of Multiple Sclerosis

A study of more than 22,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) has discovered the first genetic variant associated with faster disease progression, which can rob patients of their mobility and independence over time.
The work was the result of a large international collaboration of more than 70 institutions from around the world, led by researchers from UCSF (USA) and the University of Cambridge (UK).
About 3 million people live with multiple sclerosis or MS, but the real number may be higher.
Women are more likely to develop MS than men.
When diagnosed, the immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing symptoms that range from numbness to disability.
Although scientists know MS is associated with genetic risks, MS is not an inherited disease, and doctors have struggled to understand why some cases progress faster than others.
This latest study combed through 13,000 patients' DNA and found a gene that is linked to the onset of severe disability.
Sergio Baranzini's a Neurology Professor at the University of California San Francisco. He is the lead author of the Study and he joins us live from San Francisco to discuss the latest updates.
Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Follow us on Twitter: / ajenglish
Find us on Facebook: / aljazeera
Check our website: www.aljazeera.com/
Check out our Instagram page: / aljazeeraenglish
#MultipleSclerosis #Genetics #Disability #MSDisease #DNA #AlJazeeraEnglish

[@__Wanderer]

I was diagnosed with this last year after having a COVID infection. Either it was a trigger for my first relapse or cause. I suppose I will never know really. This is a horrific disease. My first relapse has already left me blind in my left eye permanently. I am not even 30 yet. It makes me fearful of the future - what function will I lose next? Anything can be attacked. It is like knowing you will have a car crash like event every couple years potentially. I am scared. Hope they can cure this someday.

[@Mememeep]

🙏🏼🙏🏼 so sorry to hear this. I hope you get enough support going through it.

[@RobdeKlerk-qg6lc]

Stay strong my friend

[@smmcb647]

Looking back my MS onset was Dec 2019, but it was only after my first COVID vaccination in June 2021 that I had my first real MS episode which led to my full diagnosis. I believe the vaccination was the trigger to that episode, but I thank God it led to my diagnosis and treatment.

[@cameronhowe1110]

My first symptoms was optic neuritis as well. I had a EDDS of like 3 and now I’m at a zero. It’s not necessarily progressive. Take b12 injections is my recommendation.

[@__Wanderer]

​@@cameronhowe1110 EDDS of 3 - did you also have mobility issues? Glad they resolved :) Well sadly in my case, as is true in many people, my nerve damage is permanent :/ Sadly B12 isn't going to fix that! I do take a B vitamin complex including B12 though (high dose) since diagnosis. Thanks for the recommendation, hope you are well :)

[@Garpot]

Thanks for the coverage - MS DX 2020.

[@colleensmith3374]

Thank u for sharing this info

[@donnamoore8479]

I have it as well as my older sister, our maternal great grandfather and paternal grandfather had very similar symptoms even becoming unable to walk to becoming confined to the bed until death. During their lifetimes there was no MS diagnostic tools . I have long believed it is genetic and or environmentally connected. We live in USA.

[@Shark999i]

Same here , I believe it's Hereditary , cuz my cousin had it too

[@diosesgrande6710]

Stay strong 💪 I love you guys

[@East_Bay_Funk]

did they use PACB to do the genome sequencing?

[@user-zl3dg6hz7q]

It’s given to you

[@Callummullans]

Look into the HPA axis and the lymphatic system during REM sleep.

[@jeanniegreen8728]

Interesting. I was diagnosed in 2016 after a MRI to look at my sinus. 3 years later I find out I have a much older half brother, who has a worse case of MS. So if this gene came from my dad and my mom did not have it, then my MS may progress more slowly. And in my half brothers case, his mom probably had the gene as well. Of course we'll never know for sure without being tested. But since I still smoke mine may progress faster anyways. It sucks to not know how or why you got an autoimmune disease, and then also can't fix it. I'd almost rather not have known.

[@brianaparker6399]

what do u smoke ?

[@stevecorinthian]

Stop smoking. It'll be worth it and your future self will thank you. (I'm an MS neurologist)

[@jeanniegreen8728]

@@brianaparker6399 menthol cigs

[@dissaid]

Hi....😎🤘

[@apekshapatel5067]

"Wheelchair user" not "wheelchair bound " please

[@martinallenuk]

I dont really care what they call us. There are far more important issues than words.

[@btaylor4933]

I would much prefer to "use" a wheelchair, as if by choice, than to be "bound" to a wheelchair by necessity. But when binding is the reality, only confusion results from denying it.

[@halfbakedblake]

​@@martinallenukI used to think this too. Words change how we see the world. Perception dictates reality. If people use incorrect or offensive terms other people do too. It is counterproductive

[@crinanthethane9386]

Verbal communication is so insensitive. Let’s just stop using it altogether.

[@RobdeKlerk-qg6lc]

Apek come on lady...