RESEARCH WE LEAD
Studies developed and led from Southampton, typically related to our strengths in inflammation and blood-brain barrier biology.
Below are the Southampton Clinical and Experimental Neurology Team's research studiesÌýrelated to multiple sclerosis.
Studies developed and led from Southampton, typically related to our strengths in inflammation and blood-brain barrier biology.
Studies where we are a collaborating centre, enabling local patients to participate in nationwide studies.
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EQUANIMS (Enabling Quantification of Neurovascular Integrity in Multiple Sclerosis) study
A prospective observational study using advanced MRI methods to predict treatment response in multiple sclerosis.
Funded by , University of Bournemouth.
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Kappa light chains in Multiple Sclerosis (KLIMS) study
Establishing the role of kappa light chains in the diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis.
Funded by ).
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Haemolysis in Neurological Disease (HIND) study
A programme of observational study exploring the role of systemic haemolysis in neurological conditions. In pilot studies, we have found that red bloods cells are affected by inflammation such that their cell membrane become stiffer (less deformable); this lack of flexibility impedes microcirculation and leads to their lysis, releasing free haemoglobin which is toxic to nerve cells. We are currently seeking funds to study this in more detail in multiple sclerosis.
Pilot studies funded by theÌýºÚÁÏÉç,ÌýÌýand theÌý.
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Heat sensitivity in multiple sclerosis
A study of heat sensitivity in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls.
Funded by theÌýºÚÁÏÉçÌýand theÌý.
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Systemic Infections and Blood-Brain Barrier permeability In Multiple Sclerosis (SIBIMS) study
An observational MRI study Ìýto explore the effects of systemic infections on blood-brain barrier permeability in progressive MS.
Funded by the Ìýand theÌý.
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Systemic Infections in Multiple SclerosisÌý() study
An observational study to explore the relationship between systemic inflammatory eventsÌýand disease progression in progressive MS.
Funded by the .
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Spinal Degenerative Disease in Multiple Sclerosis ()
A cross-sectional case-control study examining the hypothesis that cervical spinal degenerative disease has a higher than expected prevalence in multiple sclerosis.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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SFX-01 asÌýa novelÌýtreatment for multiple sclerosis
TestingÌýSFX-01, aÌýstable form of sulforaphane, in a preclinical model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. We have demonstrated that .
Funded by .
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Urinary neopterin to detect subclinical inflammatory activity
Developing high quality methodology to measure urinary neopterin - .
Funded by the .
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Prognosis in Multiple Sclerosis (PIMS) study
A UK nationwide study exploring issues surrounding long-term prognosis amongst people with multiple sclerosis and their clinicians.
Funded by the .
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A higher-sensitivity assay for oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis
Optimizing detection of oligoclonal bands when conventional testing is negative.
Funded by the .
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Continuous ambulatory monitoring as an alternative to the EDSS
Developing an Ìýof monitoring disability progression, especially during stages in MS when the EDSS does not change much.
Funded by .
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Serum markers predicting response to dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis
To help plan future management by increasing vigilance in people less likely to respond.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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Patient reported EDSS (PREDSS) tools for clinical deployment
Enabling patient-reported EDSS measurement in a busy NHS setting.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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Developing an algorithm for cytospin assessment of inflammatory activity in cerebrospinal fluid
Improving the diagnosis and reporting of inflammation in spinal fluid.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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Neurology and Oncology: Immunology and Interactions
Understanding the inflammatory basis of neurological disease, including links with cancer.
Funded by the , theÌý and .
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Zonulin and the blood-brain barrier
Investigating the potential effect of zonulin on blood-brain barrier permeability.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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Zonulin measurement: new methodology
Developing high quality methodology to measure zonulin.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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Regional variation in blood-brain barrier permeability
Exploring the neuroanatomy of human blood-brain barrier permeability using dynamic-contrast enhanced imaging to measure blood-brain barrier permeability.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç and theÌý.
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The effect of systemic inflammation on intrathecal IgG synthesis
This may be a mechanism underlying exacerbation of brain inflammation during systemic inflammation.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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TheÌýeffect of systemic haemolysisÌýon the brain
A laboratory and Ìýto investigate a possible role for haemolysis in systemic inflammation and brain iron deposition.
Funded by the Ìýand the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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Dehydration in multiple sclerosis
A laboratory and Ìýto examine theÌýextent to which people with MS dehydrate themselves to control their urinary symptoms.
Funded by the Ìýand the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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Eosinophilia during natalizumab treatmentÌýin multiple sclerosis
ºÚÁÏÉçing the incidence, risk factors and temporal kinetics of eosinophilia, to evaluate the need for repeated blood tests in our clinical service.
Funded by the ºÚÁÏÉç.
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OCTOPUS: Optimal Clinical Trials Platform for Multiple Sclerosis
The Ìýis a multi-arm multi-stage trial during which successive potential treatments for progressive forms of multiple sclerosis are trialled using a single placebo group, moving seamlessly from Phase II to Phase III. Southampton has been selected as one of four national Hub sites for this trial, with the aim of recruiting higher number of individuals, disseminating information, enhancing retention and adding value to the research.
FundedÌýby theÌýÌý(UK) and theÌý.
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StarMS: Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation versus Alemtuzumab in Relapsing Remitting MS
The Ìýis parallel-group rater-blindedÌýrandomised controlled trial to determine whetherÌýautologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation has superior clinical efficacy to alemtuzumab with an acceptable safety profile over a two year follow up period, in patients with rapidly evolving severe relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosisÌýrefractory to first-line treatment.
FundedÌýby theÌýÌý(NIHR).
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MS-STAT2
The Ìýis designed to test the effectiveness of repurposed simvastatin in a phase 3 double blind,Ìýrandomised, placebo controlled trial (1:1) in patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), to determine if the rate of disability progression can be slowed over aÌýthree year period.
FundedÌýbyÌýthe , theÌýÌý(UK), theÌýÌý(US), the NHS and UK universities.
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A Multicenter, Global, Observational ºÚÁÏÉç to Collect Information on Safety and to Document the Drug Utilization of Tecfideraâ„¢ (Dimethyl Fumarate) When Used in Routine Medical Practice in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (ESTEEM)
An international post-marketing observational study to assess the long-term safety of treatment with dimethyl fumarate.
Funded by .
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MS Register
The Ìýis a living resource of people with MS, linking regular patient-reported outcome measures with clinical data.
Funded by the .
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