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sNCAM as a specific marker of peripheral demyelination
Adam Niezgoda1, Sławomir Michalak2, Jacek Losy3
1Chair and Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, ul. Przybyszewskiego 49 Poznań, 60-355, Poland.
Immunology Letters
|March 25, 2017
Summary
Soluble neural cell adhesion molecule (sNCAM) levels are elevated in peripheral nerve diseases. Increased sNCAM indicates demyelination and nerve injury severity, correlating with clinical and electrophysiological measures.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Adhesion molecules, including neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), are vital for nerve development and maintenance.
- Poly-sialylated NCAM shows increased expression on demyelinated axons in multiple sclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate soluble NCAM (sNCAM) levels in patients with various peripheral neuropathies.
- To correlate sNCAM levels with clinical severity (ONLS) and nerve conduction studies.
Main Methods:
- Serum sNCAM concentrations were measured in patients with demyelinating polyneuropathies, axonal neuropathies (inflammatory and metabolic), and healthy controls.
- Clinical assessment using Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale (ONLS) and nerve conduction studies were performed.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher sNCAM levels were observed in demyelinating polyneuropathies compared to axonal groups and controls.
- Axonal neuropathy groups also showed elevated sNCAM compared to healthy controls.
- sNCAM levels positively correlated with ONLS scores and negatively with the lowest nerve conduction velocity.
Conclusions:
- sNCAM may serve as a specific biomarker for peripheral nerve demyelination.
- sNCAM appears to be a sensitive indicator of peripheral nerve injury severity.
