Microparticles in multiple sclerosis and clinically isolated syndrome: effect on endothelial barrier function

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Vascular Biology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Cell-derived microparticles indicate cell damage or dysfunction.
• Endothelial and platelet dysfunction are implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
• Investigating microparticle origins and their role in MS is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare endothelial and platelet microparticles in MS patients across clinical forms and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).
• Assess the impact of these microparticles on endothelial barrier function.

Main Methods:

• Flow cytometry analyzed platelet-derived and endothelium-derived microparticles in 95 MS patients and 49 controls.
• Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing measured endothelial barrier response to purified microparticles.

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of platelet- and endothelium-derived microparticles were found in all MS forms and CIS compared to controls.
• Microparticles from relapsing-remitting MS patients caused greater endothelial barrier disruption than controls or CIS.
• MS microparticles synergized with thrombin to impair endothelial barrier function.

Conclusions:

• Plasma microparticles are potential early diagnostic markers for MS.
• Microparticles contribute pathologically by increasing endothelial permeability and facilitating leukocyte infiltration.