Use of metabolic syndrome drugs in multiple sclerosis
Drugs used for metabolic syndrome may reduce MS activity in people with MS and obesity
Last updated: 9th June 2016
Metabolic syndrome is the medical term for a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Since both MS and metabolic syndrome influence inflammation in the brain, researchers from Argentina questioned whether the two tablets used for metabolic syndrome (pioglitazone and metformin) could reduce MS activity in obese patients.
Ten people with MS received the first drug (pioglitazone), 20 people received the second drug (metformin) and the remaining 20 people did not receive any drugs.
Researchers observed that using either of those tablets can reduce MS activity measured by MRI or immunologic factors in blood samples. Therefore drugs used for metabolic syndrome may help obese patients with MS.
The results of this study, although enlightening, are based on a small number of patients, and await further investigation.
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