Our findings suggested that aerobic interval training can be an effective strategy for managing the immune system at least by its significant impact on inflammatory cytokines and adipokines levels in women with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, this positive impact improved fatigue and adipose tissue indicators.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurotrophic factors seemingly have an important role in multiple sclerosis pathology. Physical activity may influence blood-brain barrier function and levels of neurotrophic factors, and such effects might be moderated by body weight status. This study investigated the effect of exercise training on markers of blood-brain barrier permeability and neurotrophic factors as a function of weight status in multiple sclerosis patients. Sixty three persons with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis who were normal weight (n: 33) or overweight (n: 33) were randomly assigned into groups of exercise (normal weight training, n: 18; overweight training group, n: 18) or no exercise (normal weight control, n: 15; overweight control group, n: 15). The intervention consisted of 8 weeks (3 days per week) of cycling undertaken at 60-70% peak power. Resting blood concentrations of s100 calcium-binding protein B (s100b) and neuron-specific enolase as BBB permeability markers, neurotrophic factors and cytokines (Interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were evaluated before and after the intervention. There were significant weight, training, and interaction effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and platelet-derived growth factor; however, ciliary neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor did not demonstrate any effect. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and platelet-derived growth factor were significantly increased from pre-post in normal weight exercise. Significant weight, training, and interaction effects were found for s100b. In detail, s100b was significantly increased from pre-post in normal weight exercise. In contrast, neuron-specific enolase and cytokines did not demonstrate any effect. Generally, Exercise training may alter markers of BBB permeability and neurotrophic factor status in normal weight persons with multiple sclerosis; however, overweight participants may be more resistant to these effects of exercise.

The study clearly illustrates that LDN is a relatively safe therapeutic option in RRMS and SPMS but its efficacy is under question and probably a long duration trial is needed in the future.

No abstract

The results of this study can be used by clinicians to identify and monitor potential fallers in MS patients.