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Elevated cerebrospinal fluid adiponectin and adipsin levels in patients with multiple sclerosis: a Finnish co-twin
A Hietaharju1, H Kuusisto, R Nieminen
1Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
Background And Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of three adipocytokines: leptin, adiponectin and adipsin, in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of twins discordant for multiple sclerosis (MS). Adipose tissue is an important component connecting immune system and several tissues and organs including CNS. Fat cells produce adipocytokines, which seem to have a role in various autoimmune disorders including MS.
Methods:
Plasma samples were collected from twelve twins and CSF samples from four twins discordant for MS. The concentrations of interleukine (IL)-6, adiponectin, adipsin and leptin in plasma and CSF samples were determined by enzyme immuno assay.
Results:
A significant difference was seen in the adipocytokine levels in CSF samples. Twins with MS had higher concentrations of adiponectin (P = 0.039) and adipsin (P = 0.039), than their asymptomatic co-twins.
Conclusion:
As adiponectin and adipsin levels in CSF did not correlate with their levels in plasma, it seems that there could be a secondary intrathecal synthesis of these adipocytokines in MS.
