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Serum Lymphocyte-Associated Cytokine Concentrations Change More Rapidly over Time in Multiple System Atrophy Compared
Keri Csencsits-Smith1, Jessika Suescun, Kan Li
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA.
Objective:
Chronic inflammatory processes contribute to the eventual death of motor neurons and the development of symptoms in both idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Given the faster rate of progression and more severe symptoms associated with MSA, we hypothesized that markers of inflammation would be more evident in the peripheral blood of MSA than PD patients, and that evidence of this inflammation might assist early diagnosis of MSA versus PD.
Methods:
We performed multiplex analysis to determine the concentrations of 37 immune-associated cytokines and chemokines isolated from the plasma of patients with PD (n = 25) and MSA (n = 14) and compared our results to those of age-matched controls (n = 15). We then applied a mixed-effect multiple regression model to determine if the concentration of cytokines in the plasma of patients with PD and MSA changed significantly over time.
Results:
Patients with MSA had a trend towards overall lower levels of immune-associated cytokines, while serum cytokine levels were increased in patients with PD. Statistically adjusted comparisons of overall changes in cytokine concentrations between the PD and MSA groups revealed higher concentrations of T-cell-associated cytokines TNFβ and IL-7 in PD. Comparison of samples taken over time revealed significantly faster rates of change in 4 different cytokine concentrations (IL-4, IL-15, IL-2, and IL-9) in patients with MSA versus patients with PD.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that single measurements of plasma concentrations of inflammation-associated cytokines cannot be used to distinguish disease states. However, measurements made over time may correlate with pathogenesis. The significant changes in T-cell-associated cytokines may shed light on immune mechanisms that contribute to PD and MSA disease progression.
Insights
Inflammation markers in Parkinson disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients showed distinct patterns over time. While single measurements are insufficient for diagnosis, dynamic cytokine changes may reveal disease progression mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Chronic inflammation is implicated in motor neuron degeneration in Parkinson disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA).
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) typically progresses faster and presents with more severe symptoms than PD.
- Inflammation markers in peripheral blood may help differentiate between MSA and PD, aiding early diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in plasma cytokine and chemokine levels between PD and MSA patients.
- To determine if these inflammatory markers can assist in the early diagnosis of MSA versus PD.
- To explore the temporal dynamics of these markers in relation to disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Multiplex analysis of 37 immune-associated cytokines and chemokines in plasma from PD patients (n=25), MSA patients (n=14), and controls (n=15).
- Application of a mixed-effect multiple regression model to assess changes in cytokine concentrations over time.
- Statistical comparisons of cytokine levels and their rates of change between PD and MSA groups.
Main Results:
- Patients with MSA showed a trend towards lower overall immune-associated cytokine levels compared to PD patients.
- PD patients exhibited increased serum cytokine levels, with higher concentrations of T-cell-associated cytokines TNFβ and IL-7.
- Significantly faster rates of change in IL-4, IL-15, IL-2, and IL-9 concentrations were observed in MSA patients over time.
Conclusions:
- Single plasma cytokine measurements are insufficient to distinguish between PD and MSA.
- Temporal changes in plasma cytokine concentrations may correlate with disease pathogenesis and progression.
- Observed changes in T-cell-associated cytokines offer insights into immune mechanisms driving PD and MSA progression.
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