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Glial toxicity in urine and multiple sclerosis.
C Malcus-Vocanson1, P Giraud, F Micoud
1bioMérieux-Pierre Fabre, Marcy L'Etoile, France.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 25, 2002
Summary
Researchers identified a glial cytotoxic (gliotoxic) activity in urine that correlates with multiple sclerosis (MS). This finding could lead to new diagnostic methods for MS detection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- A previously identified cytotoxic activity targets macroglial cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- This glial cytotoxic (gliotoxic) activity shows correlation with MS in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and urine samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the presence of gliotoxicity in urine samples from MS patients and controls.
- To assess the potential of urine gliotoxicity as a biomarker for multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- A bioassay was used to detect apoptosis-like effects induced in a glial cell-line.
- Urine samples from 102 MS patients, 51 neurological disease patients, and 35 healthy subjects were tested.
Main Results:
- Significant gliotoxicity was detected in the urine of 74% of MS patients.
- Gliotoxicity was found in only 4% of neurological controls and none of the healthy subjects (P>0.001).
Conclusions:
- Urine gliotoxicity is a statistically significant indicator associated with multiple sclerosis.
- While the bioassay has limitations, it aids in monitoring the gliotoxic factor; a specific immunoassay could offer improved routine MS detection.