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Published on: October 20, 2016
Serum uric acid, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, and apolipoprotein E genotype in benign vs. progressive multiple
G S M Ramsaransing1, D J Heersema, J De Keyser
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience gradual progression of disability, either as secondary progressive MS (SPMS) or primary progressive MS (PPMS). A subgroup with relapsing-remitting MS shows a benign course with little or no disease progression and minimal disability decades after the first manifestations, so called benign MS (BMS). In our search to identify factors that are associated with progression of MS, we investigated serum levels of uric acid and dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate (DHEAS), and apolipoprotein (apo)E genotype in 28 patients with BMS, 33 with SPMS, 21 with PPMS, and 29 healthy individuals. We found no significant changes in uric acid levels and apoE genotype between the four groups. Mean DHEAS levels were lower in MS patients compared with healthy controls (P = 0.049), but there were no significant differences between the clinical subgroups of MS. In patients with SPMS and PPMS there was no correlation between progression rate and serum levels of either uric acid or DHEAS. Our results suggest that serum levels of uric acid and DHEAS, and apoE genotype do not differ between patients with a benign and progressive course of MS.
Insights
Serum uric acid, dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate (DHEAS), and apolipoprotein E genotype do not appear to predict multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. These factors did not significantly differ between benign MS and progressive MS subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biomarkers in Neurological Diseases
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) presents with diverse clinical courses, including benign MS (BMS) with minimal progression and progressive forms like secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS).
- Identifying factors that differentiate benign from progressive MS is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether serum levels of uric acid and dehydroepiandrostenedione sulphate (DHEAS), along with apolipoprotein (apo)E genotype, are associated with disease progression in multiple sclerosis.
- To determine if these factors can serve as biomarkers to distinguish between benign and progressive MS phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Serum uric acid, DHEAS levels, and apoE genotype were analyzed in patients with BMS, SPMS, PPMS, and healthy controls.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare these factors across the different groups and to assess correlations with disease progression rates in progressive MS subtypes.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in uric acid levels or apoE genotype were observed among the four groups (BMS, SPMS, PPMS, healthy controls).
- Mean DHEAS levels were lower in all MS patients compared to healthy controls (P = 0.049), but no significant differences were found between the MS clinical subgroups.
- Serum uric acid and DHEAS levels did not correlate with the progression rate in patients with SPMS and PPMS.
Conclusions:
- Serum uric acid and DHEAS levels, as well as apoE genotype, do not appear to be reliable indicators for distinguishing between benign and progressive courses of multiple sclerosis.
- These investigated factors do not seem to play a significant role in predicting disease progression in MS patients.
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