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Nitric oxide metabolite determinations reveal continuous inflammation in multiple sclerosis
Alexandre I Danilov1, Magnus Andersson, Nasrin Bavand
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Hospital, S-17176 Stockholm, Sweden.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|March 7, 2003
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) is elevated in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, particularly during active disease phases. Measuring nitrite levels in cerebrospinal fluid may serve as a biomarker for MS disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) production is linked to inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) during inflammation.
- Understanding NO's role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nitric oxide (NO) production in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- To correlate NO oxidation products (NOx) levels with clinical disease activity in MS.
Main Methods:
- Measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma NOx concentrations in 61 MS patients.
- Grouped patients based on clinical disease activity.
- Compared NOx levels between MS patients, healthy controls, and tension headache patients.
Main Results:
- CSF NOx levels were significantly higher in all MS patient groups compared to controls.
- CSF nitrite levels showed a correlation with clinical disease activity.
- During exacerbation, CSF nitrite levels surpassed plasma levels, indicating localized CNS inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- CSF nitrite levels may serve as a valuable surrogate marker for monitoring MS disease activity.
- The inflammatory response in the CNS during MS exacerbations is intense and distinct.