MS-NIRS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate cortical oxygenation and metabolism in multiple sclerosis – an observational cohort pilot study (student study)
IRAS ID
243615
Contact name
Jeremy Chataway
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
researchregistry3762, Researchregistry.com; Z6364106/2018/05/77, UCL Data Protection Registration Number
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
In multiple sclerosis (MS) the immune system is involved in damaging the brain and spinal cord, but the mechanisms remain uncertain. Consequently we have only modest treatments for acute attacks (relapses) in the form of steroids, and little treatment for the relentless accumulation of permanent disability in secondary progressive MS (SPMS). \n\nMultiple lines of evidence have suggested that the blood supply to the central nervous system (CNS; the brain and spinal cord) is inadequate in people with MS. Various scanning techniques have shown that the brains of people with SPMS have a poor blood supply and insufficient oxygenation. In the laboratory we have found that the poor blood supply and oxygenation in the CNS is a direct consequence of the CNS inflammation that is a part of MS. The lack of adequate oxygen causes the inflamed tissue to stop working properly, resulting in symptoms, and the most sensitive cells die. In an exciting development, we have discovered that medicines that improve blood supply can reduce symptoms dramatically, within 2 hours, and reduce or eliminate cell damage. We therefore predict that improving the blood supply will improve oxygen levels and restore cell energy in the CNS, hence providing a beneficial treatment.\n\nNear-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a promising, non-invasive, new scanning technology. The goal of this project is to use NIRS to directly measure the brain’s blood supply, oxygen and energy levels in people with MS. Data is acquired quickly and painlessly by wearing a headset. We will include a broad range of people with MS, including those starting trial treatments as part of the MS-STAT2 study, and those experiencing a relapse, hence providing a unique insight into what is going wrong in the brains of people with MS, and bringing us closer to creating new treatments.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0482
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion