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CD95-mediated apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in MS
C Heesen1, S Georghiu, J Gbadamosi
1Department of Neurology, University of Hamburg, Germany. heesen@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|November 18, 2000
Summary
Soluble CD95 (sCD95) serum levels and DNA fragmentation do not correlate with multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity. These markers of programmed cell death are not suitable for monitoring MS progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
- Understanding markers of disease activity is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between soluble CD95 (sCD95) serum levels and DNA fragmentation in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with MS disease stages and activity.
- To assess the utility of these programmed cell death markers in monitoring MS.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify sCD95 in the sera of 114 MS patients and controls.
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was employed to detect DNA fragmentation in CSF cytospins from a subgroup of 18 MS patients and controls.
Main Results:
- sCD95 was detected in sera of MS patients, healthy controls, and meningitis patients with no significant differences observed.
- Modest levels of apoptotic cells were found in CSF specimens from both MS patients and controls.
- No significant enhancement of DNA fragmentation was observed in MS patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The study found no association between sCD95 serum levels or CSF DNA fragmentation and MS disease course or activity.
- These investigated markers of programmed cell death do not appear to be suitable for monitoring multiple sclerosis progression.