IMPUTE-PMS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating Metabolic Processes Underlying The Evolution of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
IRAS ID
279881
Contact name
Stefano Pluchino
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 30 days
Research summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The disease is characterised by CNS inflammation leading to loss of the insulating myelin coating of nerves (demyelination) and deterioration of the underlying axons. This damage results in neurological symptoms that include visual, motor and cognitive impairment.
MS typically manifests as a relapsing remitting form (RRMS) marked by clearly-defined flare-ups (relapses) followed by periods of remission wherein the symptoms may partially or fully disappear. In most instances, the disease will eventually evolve into a progressive form (secondary progressive MS, SPMS) during which the disease gradually worsens and disability accumulates in the absence of remission periods. Some patients experience a primary progressive form of the disease (PPMS) from onset.
While there has been some progress in the development of drugs capable of treating RRMS, there has been little success in addressing the deterioration associated with progressive MS (PMS). The complex mechanisms underlying PMS-driven inflammation and neurodegeneration are yet to be fully understood. Emerging evidence points to the likely involvement of metabolic dysfunction amongst cell populations in the CNS as a potential driver of chronic neuroinflammation, possibly exacerbated by ageing. Dysregulation of key metabolites within the CNS is expected to reflect or even promote disease progression; such metabolites therefore represent novel biomarkers for diagnosis or prognosis of PMS, as well as being potentially druggable targets.
This study aims to examine tissue samples (blood, skin, and cerebrospinal fluid) acquired from PMS patients for clues as to the pathophysiological processes underlying the disease. Results will be compared to those from RRMS patients (or patients with other neurological diseases) in order to highlight any distinct properties of PMS biology. This information will likely help to develop therapeutic approaches to PMS, as well as aid in future diagnosis/prognosis.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/EE/0215
Date of REC Opinion
6 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion