Imaging Effects of Neurotrophic Factor Genes on Brain Plasticity and Repair in Multiple Sclerosis
Abstract
The objective of this study is to develop a better biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS) by combining genotype and imaging data. In this study, patients with MS undergo neurological evaluation to confirm diagnosis and determine disability level. They have blood drawn for genotyping, and undergo magnetic resonance imaging sensitive to both focal and diffuse effects in gray and white matter, including cortical thickness and subcortical volume measures, lesion volumetry, and voxel-based morphometry and diffusion imaging. We are continuing to progress with screening, enrollment, and testing of participants. We have encountered no adverse events. We continued to use our established procedures for acquiring, logging and backing up all data, and completing ongoing QA of the data. The genotyping will occur in batches; the blood samples are securely stored in our Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory until then. We are having biweekly to weekly research meetings, and additional meetings as needed, and I am monitoring the financial and administrative issues together with our Grants Manager. We are preparing a two conference submissions based on early results from this study, one on neurotrophic factor genotype as a predictor of hippocampal atrophy on MRI in MS, and one on a semi-automated program we have developed for MS lesion segmentation on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. These will be submitted to the International Neuropsychological Society for presentation at their Annual Meeting in February 2011.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA538400
Entities
People
- Heather Wishart