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Human kallikrein 6 cerebrospinal levels are elevated in multiple sclerosis
Andrea L O Hebb1, Virender Bhan, Alexander D Wishart
1Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X5, Canada. alohebb@dal.ca
Abstract:
The protease, human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (hK6) is derived from activated macrophages in the central nervous system (CNS) and may contribute to pathology observed in multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study, we compared serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentrations of human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 derived from neurological controls and patients diagnosed with advanced multiple sclerotic disease. Mean serum levels of human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 were similar in neurological controls and patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting (RR), secondary progressive (SP) and primary progressive (PP) multiple sclerosis with mean levels ranging from 3.5 to 3.75 ng/ml. Patients diagnosed with advanced multiple sclerosis showed mean CSF levels (29 ng/ml) that were significantly higher than neurological controls (25.5 ng/ml). Determining CSF concentrations of human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 may therefore have diagnostic value in MS.
Insights
Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (hK6) may aid in diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS). Serum hK6 levels did not differ between MS patients and controls.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (hK6) is a protease found in the central nervous system (CNS).
- hK6 originates from activated macrophages and is implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein concentrations of hK6.
- To investigate the diagnostic potential of hK6 in MS.
Main Methods:
- Quantified hK6 protein levels in serum and CSF.
- Compared levels between neurological controls and patients with relapsing-remitting (RR), secondary progressive (SP), and primary progressive (PP) MS.
Main Results:
- Mean serum hK6 levels were comparable across all groups (3.5–3.75 ng/ml).
- Mean CSF hK6 levels were significantly higher in advanced MS patients (29 ng/ml) compared to controls (25.5 ng/ml).
Conclusions:
- Serum hK6 levels are not a reliable biomarker for MS.
- CSF hK6 concentration may serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for multiple sclerosis.
