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Changes in concanavalin A-reactive proteins in neurological disorders
L Saso1, G Valentini, M G Leone
1Department of Pharmacology of Natural Substances and General Physiology, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis
|July 22, 1999
Summary
Glycosylation changes in cerebrospinal fluid proteins were analyzed in multiple sclerosis and neuropathies. Alpha2-macroglobulin showed abnormal glycosylation in multiple sclerosis, suggesting potential clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein glycosylation patterns can be altered in neurological diseases.
- Investigating these changes may reveal novel biomarkers for conditions like multiple sclerosis and neuropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in the glycosylation of CSF proteins, specifically alpha2-macroglobulin and prostaglandin D synthase.
- To compare these glycosylation changes in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuropathies against neurological controls.
Main Methods:
- Lectin blotting using concanavalin A (ConA) was employed to assess protein glycosylation.
- CSF samples from patients with multiple sclerosis (n=42), neuropathies (n=20), and neurological controls (n=22) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- ConA-reactivity of alpha2-macroglobulin was elevated in neuropathies but not in multiple sclerosis compared to controls.
- Alpha2-macroglobulin glycosylation abnormalities were indicated in multiple sclerosis, as its reactivity did not correlate with total ConA-reactivity.
- Prostaglandin D synthase showed correlations between concentration and ConA-reactivity only in neuropathies, suggesting high heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal glycosylation of alpha2-macroglobulin in CSF may serve as a potential biomarker for multiple sclerosis.
- Further research into these CSF protein glycosylation changes is warranted for their clinical utility in neurological disorders.