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The improvement of cognitive functions is associated with a decrease of plasma Osteopontin levels in Natalizumab
Pietro Iaffaldano1, Maddalena Ruggieri, Rosa Gemma Viterbo
1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|September 3, 2013
Summary
Natalizumab treatment in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients significantly lowered Osteopontin levels, improving cognitive function and reducing fatigue. These findings suggest Osteopontin reduction is linked to cognitive benefits in RRMS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by neurological deficits, including cognitive impairment and fatigue.
- Plasma Osteopontin (OPN) has been implicated as a potential biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of two-year Natalizumab treatment on plasma Osteopontin levels.
- To assess changes in cognitive performance and fatigue in RRMS patients undergoing Natalizumab therapy.
Main Methods:
- Forty-nine RRMS patients receiving Natalizumab were studied.
- Plasma OPN levels, cognitive function (Brief Repeatable Battery), and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) were measured at baseline and 12-month intervals.
- A global cognitive impairment index (CII) was calculated.
Main Results:
- Baseline OPN levels were elevated in RRMS patients compared to healthy controls.
- Natalizumab treatment led to significant reductions in plasma OPN levels, cognitive impairment index, and fatigue scores.
- Baseline OPN levels correlated with baseline cognitive impairment, and OPN reduction correlated with cognitive improvement.
Conclusions:
- Natalizumab therapy effectively reduces plasma Osteopontin levels in RRMS patients.
- The treatment also improves cognitive functions and alleviates fatigue.
- Decreased Osteopontin levels are associated with enhanced cognitive performance in RRMS.
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