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Increased cerebrospinal fluid tau protein in multiple sclerosis.
E Kapaki1, G P Paraskevas, M Michalopoulou
1Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Athens, 'Aeginition' Hospital, Athens, Greece.
European Neurology
|June 1, 2000
Summary
Elevated tau protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may indicate axonal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This finding could help assess neurological damage during the disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Axonal damage is a key factor in irreversible neurological deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Identifying early markers of axonal damage is crucial for understanding MS progression.
- Microtubule-associated protein tau is a potential biomarker for neuronal injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau levels as a marker of axonal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To compare CSF tau concentrations between MS patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Tau protein was quantified in CSF samples using a double antibody sandwich ELISA.
- CSF samples were collected from patients diagnosed with MS and from control individuals.
Main Results:
- CSF tau levels were significantly higher in MS patients (median 249.6 pg/ml) compared to controls (median 135 pg/ml) (p<0.001).
- Approximately 50% of MS patients exhibited CSF tau levels exceeding the control range.
- Elevated CSF tau was observed in both relapsing-remitting and progressive MS subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Increased CSF tau levels suggest axonal impairment in a subset of MS patients.
- CSF tau may serve as a valuable biomarker for estimating axonal damage in living individuals with MS.