Optical coherence tomography and T cell gene expression analysis in patients with benign multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Benign multiple sclerosis (MS) is currently diagnosed retrospectively based on motor symptom progression.
• Emerging evidence indicates non-motor symptoms in benign MS, necessitating earlier diagnostic methods.
• Prospective diagnostic tools are crucial for timely patient care in benign MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) and T cell neurotrophin gene expression profiles in benign MS.
• To identify potential early diagnostic biomarkers for benign MS.
• To explore novel approaches for prospective benign MS diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a small cohort of patients diagnosed with benign MS.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.
• T cell gene expression profiling, focusing on neurotrophin-related genes.

Main Results:

• Mild thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer was observed via OCT.
• Distinct T cell gene expression profiles were identified in benign MS patients.
• Upregulation of interleukin 10 and leukemia inhibitory factor, and downregulation of interleukin 6 and neurotensin high affinity receptor 1 were noted.

Conclusions:

• OCT and T cell mRNA profiling show promise as prospective diagnostic tools for benign MS.
• These findings support further investigation in larger cohorts.
• Early and prospective diagnosis of benign MS could significantly improve patient management.