MDC/CCL22 intrathecal levels in patients with multiple sclerosis
D Galimberti1, C Fenoglio, C Comi
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Dino Ferrari Center, University of Milan, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy. daniela.galimberti@unimi.it
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|January 23, 2008
Summary
Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) levels are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of female multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This suggests MDC/CCL22 may specifically impact MS development in women.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cytokine Research
Background:
- Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) is implicated in neuroinflammatory conditions.
- MDC/CCL22 has been observed in the brain during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of MDC/CCL22 in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To determine if MDC/CCL22 levels correlate with MS subtypes or gender.
Main Methods:
- CSF samples were collected from 56 MS patients and 17 healthy controls.
- MDC/CCL22 concentrations were measured using immunoassays.
- Statistical analyses were performed, stratifying by disease subtype and gender.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in CSF MDC/CCL22 levels was found between MS patients and controls overall.
- Stratification by disease subtype did not reveal significant differences.
- Significantly higher MDC/CCL22 levels were observed in female MS patients compared to female controls and male MS patients.
Conclusions:
- MDC/CCL22 may play a specific role in the pathogenesis of MS in females.
- Elevated MDC/CCL22 in females could influence the recruitment of Th2 cells into the central nervous system.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of MDC/CCL22 in female MS.
