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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Multiple Sclerosis at 7.0 Tesla
Published on: February 19, 2021
[Multiple sclerosis]
1Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University.
Abstract:
Longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions that extend over three vertebral segments on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are significantly more common in opticospinal multiple sclerosis (OSMS) than in conventional MS (CMS) in Japanese. In Japanese patients with MS, concentrations of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly higher in MS patients in relapse than in controls or MS patients in remission, irrespective of clinical subtype. VEGF at relapse showed a significant positive correlation with the length of the spinal cord lesions on MRI. The IL-17/IL-8 system in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was markedly activated in OSMS, and both cytokines correlated with CSF/serum albumin ratio and the spinal cord lesion length on MRI. IL-17 is produced by autoreactive memory T cells and induces IL-8 production in a variety of cells. IL-8 acts as a chemokine for neutrophils as well as T cells. In autopsied spinal cords from OSMS patients, many neutrophils were seen to infiltrate the severely damaged spinal cord lesions; something that might be explained by intrathecal activation of IL-17/IL-8 axis in this condition. Our results, therefore, suggest that an increase in both serum VEGF and CSF IL-17 and IL-8 might contribute to the formation of longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions through an increase of vascular permeability and the reinforcement of neutrophilic inflammation.
Insights
Longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions are more common in opticospinal multiple sclerosis (OSMS). Increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and IL-17/IL-8 cytokines correlate with lesion severity in OSMS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neuroinflammation
- Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis
Context:
- Opticospinal multiple sclerosis (OSMS) presents distinct lesion patterns compared to conventional multiple sclerosis (CMS), particularly in Japanese populations.
- Longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCLs) are a hallmark of OSMS, suggesting unique pathological mechanisms.
- Understanding the molecular drivers of LESCLs is crucial for diagnosing and treating OSMS.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the interleukin-17/interleukin-8 (IL-17/IL-8) system in the pathogenesis of LESCLs in Japanese OSMS patients.
- To explore the correlation between serum VEGF, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokines (IL-17, IL-8), and lesion characteristics on MRI.
- To elucidate the contribution of neutrophilic inflammation and vascular permeability to LESCL formation in OSMS.
Summary:
- Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were significantly elevated in Japanese MS patients during relapse, correlating positively with spinal cord lesion length on MRI.
- The IL-17/IL-8 cytokine system in CSF was markedly activated in OSMS, with both cytokines correlating with CSF/serum albumin ratio and lesion length.
- Neutrophil infiltration observed in OSMS spinal cord lesions suggests intrathecal IL-17/IL-8 axis activation, contributing to vascular permeability and inflammation.
Impact:
- Findings suggest that elevated serum VEGF and CSF IL-17/IL-8 may be key contributors to the formation of LESCLs in OSMS.
- These biomarkers could potentially aid in understanding disease progression and developing targeted therapies for OSMS.
- The study highlights the importance of investigating specific inflammatory pathways in distinct MS subtypes.
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