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Du-Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Published on: October 27, 2023
Mannose binding lectin levels are not related to radiographic damage in ankylosing spondylitis
Sibel Zehra Aydin1, Pamir Atagunduz, Burak Erer
1Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. drsibelaydin@gmail.com
Insights
This study found no link between mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency and spinal radiographic damage in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. MBL deficiency prevalence and severity scores were similar in AS patients and healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a role in innate immunity.
- MBL deficiency has been investigated in various autoimmune diseases.
- Its role in the pathogenesis and radiographic progression of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MBL deficiency and radiographic spinal damage in a large cohort of AS patients.
- To compare MBL levels and deficiency prevalence between AS patients and healthy controls.
- To determine if MBL levels correlate with disease activity or radiographic scores in AS.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 191 AS patients and 85 healthy controls were studied.
- MBL levels were quantified using standard ELISA kits.
- Radiographic spinal damage was assessed using BASRI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index) and mSASSS (modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score) scores.
Main Results:
- Median MBL levels were comparable between AS patients and healthy controls (2,530 vs. 3,415 ng/ml, p=0.1).
- The prevalence of MBL deficiency (<500 ng/ml) was similar in both groups (21.5% in AS vs. 17.6%, p=0.5).
- No significant association was found between MBL levels and disease activity, clinical features, therapies, or radiographic scores (BASRI and mSASSS) in AS patients.
Conclusions:
- MBL deficiency is not more prevalent in AS patients compared to healthy individuals.
- MBL deficiency does not appear to be a contributing factor to severe radiographic spinal damage in AS.
- Further research may explore other immune pathways in AS pathogenesis.
Abstract:
In the current study we aimed to investigate the effect of MBL deficiency in radiographic damage of the spine in a large group of AS patients. One hundred and ninety-one AS patients and 85 healthy controls were studied. Disease activity, radiological scores, and demographic features were recorded. MBL levels were measured with standard ELISA kits. Results showed that median MBL levels in AS and healthy controls were 2,530 (range 0-5,861) ng/ml and 3,415 (0-7,950) ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.1). MBL deficiency (<500 ng/ml) was comparable in both groups (%21.5 in AS, % 17.6; p = 0.5). Disease activity, clinical picture, and therapies were not associated with MBL levels. Both BASRI and mSASSS scores were found similar in AS patients with or without MBL deficiency [BASRI: MBL < 500 ng/ml: 6(2-12), MBL >or= 500 ng/ml: 6(2-12); p = 0.75], [mSASSS: MBL < 500 ng/ml: 3(0-72), MBL >or= 500 ng/ml: 5(0-72); p = 0.81]. We conclude that MBL deficiency prevalence is not increased in AS patients and it is not a cause of a severe radiographic damage.
