M Gironi, F Martinelli-Boneschi, P Sacerdote, C Solaro, M Zaffaroni, R Cavarretta, L Moiola, S Bucello, M Radaelli, V Pilato, Me Rodegher, M Cursi, S Franchi, V Martinelli, R Nemni, G Comi, G Martino
A sixth month phase II multicenter-pilot trial with a low dose of the opiate antagonist Naltrexone (LDN) has been carried out in 40 patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). The primary end points were safety and tolerability. Secondary outcomes were efficacy on spasticity, pain, fatigue, depression, and quality of life. Clinical and biochemical evaluations were serially performed. Protein concentration of beta-endorphins (BE) and mRNA levels and allelic variants of the mu-opiod receptor gene (OPRM1) were analyzed...
September 2008: Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Laboratory Research