Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Measuring the 50% Haemolytic Complement CH50 Activity of Serum
Published on: March 29, 2010
Natalizumab reduces serum pro-angiogenic activity in MS patients
Pietro Iaffaldano1, Domenico Ribatti1,2, Maria Trojano3
1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
Abstract:
Angiogenesis has been implicated in the pathobiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Osteopontin exerts a pro-angiogenetic effect and is increased in body fluid of MS patients. To evaluate the effect of 1 year natalizumab treatment on serum pro-angiogenic activity and on plasma osteopontin levels in relapsing (RR) MS patients. Ten RRMS patients scheduled for natalizumab treatment were enrolled and evaluated at baseline and after 1-year natalizumab treatment. Pro-angiogenic activity was assessed by a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM), osteopontin levels were evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma and serum samples of 10 treatment-naïve RRMS and 10 healthy controls (HCs) were used as controls of baseline evaluations. Both treatment-naïve and natalizumab scheduled RRMS patients had higher baseline vessel density (22.0 ± 3.9 and 22.5 ± 2.6, p < 0.0001) and higher osteopontin levels (65.7 ± 24.3 ng/ml and 65.9 ± 16.6 ng/ml, p = 0.019 and p = 0.029, respectively) than HCs (9.0 ± 2.2; 48.5 ± 7.8 ng/ml, respectively). Baseline osteopontin levels and vessel density were significantly correlated (rs = 0.373, p = 0.043). After 1 year of treatment, the number of vessels and the osteopontin levels, were significantly reduced (11.9 ± 2.1, p < 0.005; 49.3 ± 20.0 ng/ml, p = 0.028). Our results suggest that natalizumab could exert its anti-inflammatory properties also by inhibiting the angiogenetic mechanisms in RRMS patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Reducing Line Loss
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
Methods of reducing fever
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Role of Reduced Coenzymes NADH and FADH₂
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test

