Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders: Theory, Methods and Applications

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 111

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience, S. Anna University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: multiple sclerosis; neuroepidemiology; cerebrospinal fluid; blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier; neuroinflammation; gut–brain axis; biomarkers

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Guest Editor Assistant
1. Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
2. Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: multiple sclerosis; neuroepidemiology; cerebrospinal fluid; blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier; neuroinflammation; gut–brain axis; biomarkers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders are among the most complex and debilitating conditions in neurology, affecting millions worldwide. These chronic, immune-mediated diseases target the central nervous system, leading to neurodegeneration and progressive disability, thus significantly impacting patients' quality of life.

In recent decades, advances in neuroimaging, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic strategies have reshaped the landscape of diagnosis, clinical management, and treatment. Despite recent advancements, critical gaps remain, including the need for reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis, the optimization of individualized therapeutic strategies, and the implementation of innovative rehabilitation techniques.

To address these challenges, an interdisciplinary approach that integrates basic science, novel methodologies, and clinical applications is essential. Additionally, the increasing availability of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) presents new opportunities to revolutionize MS research and management, yet their full potential remains to be fully explored.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research that enhances our understanding of MS and related disorders. We seek contributions that not only deepen our knowledge of disease mechanisms but also propose novel diagnostic, therapeutic, and management strategies that can improve patient outcomes.

We invite researchers and clinicians to contribute original studies, reviews, and methodological papers that advance our understanding of MS and related conditions. Studies incorporating interdisciplinary approaches, large-scale data analysis, and novel therapeutic paradigms are particularly encouraged. Topics of interest may include but are not limited to emerging theories on MS etiology and disease progression; advances in imaging and biomarker discovery; novel therapeutic strategies, including immunomodulation and neuroprotection; machine learning and AI applications in MS diagnosis and prognosis; personalized medicine; and patient-centered care approaches.

Prof. Dr. Maura Pugliatti
Guest Editor

Dr. Caterina Ferri
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • multiple sclerosis
  • biomarkers
  • neurodegeneration
  • neuroimaging
  • disease-modifying treatments
  • artificial intelligence
  • telemedicine
  • digital therapeutics
  • personalized medicine

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 2511 KiB  
Article
Depression, Anxiety, and MSQOL-54 Outcomes in RRMS Patients Receiving Fingolimod or Cladribine: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study
by Müttalip Özbek, Adalet Arıkanoğlu and Mehmet Ufuk Aluçlu
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1409; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081409 - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated neurological disorder that primarily affects young adults and is frequently accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety, both of which significantly diminish patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study investigated [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated neurological disorder that primarily affects young adults and is frequently accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety, both of which significantly diminish patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study investigated the effect of two oral disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), fingolimod and cladribine, on mental health and QoL in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The aim of the study was to compare levels of depression, anxiety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in RRMS patients treated with fingolimod or cladribine, and to evaluate their associations with clinical and radiological parameters. Materials and Methods: Eighty RRMS patients aged 18 to 50 years with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 3.0 or less, no recent disease relapse, and no history of antidepressant use were enrolled. Forty patients were treated with fingolimod and forty with cladribine. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). QoL was evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis QoL-54 (MSQOL-54) instrument. Additional clinical data, including MRI-based lesion burden, EDSS scores, age, disease duration, and occupational status, were collected. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding HDRS and HARS scores (p > 0.05). However, patients treated with fingolimod had significantly higher scores in the Energy/Fatigue subdomain (7.55 ± 2.02 vs. 6.56 ± 2.57, p = 0.046) and Composite Mental Health (CMH) score (64.73 ± 15.01 vs. 56.00 ± 18.93, p = 0.029) compared to those treated with cladribine. No significant differences were found in the independent items of the MSQOL-54. A negative correlation was identified between total lesion load and QoL scores. Conclusions: Although fingolimod and cladribine exert comparable effects on depression and anxiety levels, fingolimod may be associated with better mental health outcomes and reduced fatigue in RRMS patients. Furthermore, lesion burden and clinical parameters such as age and EDSS score may independently influence QoL, regardless of the DMT used. Full article
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