YKL-40 is a CSF biomarker of intrathecal inflammation in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Biomarker Discovery
• Multiple Sclerosis Pathophysiology

Background:

• YKL-40 (CHI3L1) is a glycoprotein produced by reactive astrocytes.
• Chronic active lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with YKL-40.
• Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) is characterized by chronic active lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate YKL-40 levels in different stages of multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To correlate CSF YKL-40 levels with MRI findings in MS patients.
• To assess YKL-40 as a potential biomarker for MS disease activity.

Main Methods:

• Quantification of YKL-40 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using ELISA.
• Analysis of CSF samples from two independent cohorts of MS patients.
• Correlation analysis between CSF YKL-40 levels and MRI data, including gadolinium-enhancing lesions.

Main Results:

• CSF YKL-40 levels were significantly increased in patients with active relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
• Elevated YKL-40 levels in active RRMS correlated with a higher number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions.
• Patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) exhibited similarly high YKL-40 levels.
• Non-active RRMS patients showed YKL-40 levels comparable to healthy controls.

Conclusions:

• CSF YKL-40 is elevated in active MS, including RRMS and SPMS.
• YKL-40 levels correlate with MRI-defined inflammatory activity in MS.
• YKL-40 shows potential as a biomarker for active MS and disease progression.