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
Abstract:
MDC/CCL22 has been detected in the brain of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. MDC/CCL22 cerebrospinal fluid levels were evaluated in 56 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and in 17 controls. No significant differences were found, even when stratifying patients according to the disease subtype. Stratifying by gender, significantly increased MDC/CCL22 levels were observed in female patients when compared with female controls and male patients (109.03 versus 98.54 and 99.37 pg/mL, P = 0.034 and 0.018, respectively). Therefore, MDC/CCL22 is likely to play a role in the development of MS in females only, possibly influencing the intracerebral recruitment of Th2 cells, which produce anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Insights
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.
