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Published on: June 30, 2014
Correlation between DJ-1 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and the progression of disabilities in multiple sclerosis
1Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Objectives:
DJ-1 plays a key role in the anti-oxidative stress function. Increasing evidence supports the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the DJ-1 levels were increased in patients with MS and to examine its association with the progression of MS.
Methods:
Quantitative immunoblot assays were performed to evaluate the DJ-1 level in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from relapsing-remitting patients with MS (n = 29), disease controls subjects (n = 14), and healthy subjects (n = 44).
Results:
No significant difference was observed in the serum DJ-1 level among the patients with MS, disease controls, and healthy controls. However, the CSF DJ-1 levels were significantly higher in the patients with MS than in the disease control subjects (P < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was also found between the CSF DJ-1 levels and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (P < 0.005, r = 0.501).
Conclusions:
These results show that the CSF DJ-1 levels are significantly increased in the CSF of patients with MS and that the CSF DJ-1 levels may be associated with the disease progression of MS. Therefore, DJ-1 possibly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MS.
Insights
Levels of DJ-1 protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are elevated in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and correlate with disease severity. This suggests DJ-1 may play a role in MS pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
- DJ-1 is a protein involved in anti-oxidative stress functions.
- Understanding the role of DJ-1 in MS is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DJ-1 levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To examine the association between DJ-1 levels and MS progression.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative immunoblot assays were used to measure DJ-1 levels.
- Samples included serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from MS patients, disease controls, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Serum DJ-1 levels showed no significant difference across groups.
- CSF DJ-1 levels were significantly higher in MS patients compared to disease controls (P < 0.0001).
- CSF DJ-1 levels positively correlated with the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (P < 0.005, r = 0.501).
Conclusions:
- CSF DJ-1 levels are elevated in MS patients.
- Increased CSF DJ-1 levels are associated with MS disease progression.
- DJ-1 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MS.
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