Myelin repair: OHSU researchers shared groundbreaking research in 2019 showing that a compound can trigger myelin repair in mice. Damage to myelin, the covering for nerve fibers, is at the heart of MS and related disorders. No medication yet exists to repair myelin in humans. Researchers hope that they can eventually show the compound has the same effect in humans — and with few side effects. The study’s authors included Dennis Bourdette, M.D.; Tom Scanlan, Ph.D.; and Meredith Hartley, Ph.D.

Lipoic acid: Lipoic acid is widely available as a dietary supplement. OHSU researchers discovered its potential as a treatment for MS by studying it in mice almost two decades ago. In 2017, Dr. Rebecca Spain and her research team showed that lipoic acid can slow brain atrophy (shrinking) and disability in patients with secondary progressive MS. Now Dr. Spain and her team are leading a larger five-year study on the effects of lipoic acid on MS.

Autoimmune encephalitis: OHSU scientists Gary Westbrook, M.D., and Eric Gouaux, Ph.D., led development of an animal model to help them study the brain illness featured in “Brain on Fire,” an autobiography and 2017 film adaptation. They were able to develop mice that model the disease, a form of autoimmune encephalitis called anti-NMDA encephalitis. Read a story and watch a video about their work.

Progressive MS: Arthur Vandenbark, Ph.D., and Dennis Bourdette, M.D., have identified cytokines (proteins that play a role in the immune system) and genetic markers that may play a role in progressive MS. This is a severe form of the disease in which symptoms worsen over time. The findings could lead to a test for those at risk of progressive MS, possibly enabling doctors to slow or stop the illness. The findings also shed light on risk factors for developing progressive MS.

MS and blood flow: Research suggests that high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can contribute to worsening disability in MS. That may be because these conditions slow blood flow in certain parts of the brain. Dr. Vijayshree Yadav leads a team using advanced technology to see how blood flow affects the brain, and how it changes as MS becomes more serious. These studies may lead to treatments that can slow the disease’s progress.

Understanding how myelin forms: Ben Emery, Ph.D., leads a team at OHSU’s Emery Lab working to understand the complex processes that produce myelin. The team is using genetically modified mice and other methods to understand the genetic pathways and cells at the root of myelin creation. The team hopes to shed light on how myelin loss affects health, and how to promote myelin repair.

Improving balance: More than half of people with MS fall each year, and many are injured. Fear of falling, along with overall problems with balance, may prevent MS patients from taking part in activities they enjoy. Michelle Cameron, M.D., M.C.R., PT, studies falls and imbalance in people with MS. Her research seeks to prevent falls through medication, education and exercise.