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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
GDF-15, a mitochondrial disease biomarker, is associated with the severity of multiple sclerosis
Seitaro Nohara1, Akiko Ishii1, Fumiko Yamamoto1
1Department of Neurology, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
Abstract:
GDF-15, a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, regulates inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in various diseases, such as heart failure, kidney dysfunction, and cancer. We aimed to clarify potentially confounding variables affecting GDF-15 and demonstrate its utility as a mitochondrial biomarker using serum samples from 15 patients with mitochondrial diseases (MD), 15 patients with limbic encephalitis (LE), 10 patients with multiple sclerosis/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (MS/NMOSD), and 19 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). GDF-15 and FGF-21 were significantly elevated in MD. GDF-15 and FGF-21 showed a good correlation in MD but not in LE, MS, and ALS. GDF-15 was potentially influenced by age in LE, MS/NMOSD, and ALS but not in MD. FGF-21 was not correlated with age in MS/NMOSD, ALS, LE, and MD. GDF-15 was not correlated with clinical features in LE or BMI or body weight in ALS. GDF-15 positively correlated with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in MS/NMOSD, while EDSS showed no correlation with age. In conclusion, the results revealed that GDF-15 may be influenced by EDSS in MS/NMOPSD and by age in LE, MS/NMOSD, and ALS but not in MD. Mitochondrial damage in MS/NMOSD is a potentially confounding variable affecting GDF-15.
Insights
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is elevated in mitochondrial diseases and influenced by age and disability in neurological conditions. GDF-15 shows potential as a mitochondrial biomarker, but confounding factors must be considered.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) is a cytokine involved in inflammatory and apoptotic pathways.
- It is implicated in various diseases including heart failure, kidney dysfunction, and cancer.
- GDF-15's role as a mitochondrial biomarker requires further investigation into confounding variables.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate confounding variables affecting GDF-15 levels.
- To assess GDF-15's utility as a mitochondrial biomarker.
- To analyze GDF-15 and FGF-21 correlations and influencing factors in neurological diseases.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from patients with mitochondrial diseases (MD), limbic encephalitis (LE), multiple sclerosis/neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (MS/NMOSD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were analyzed.
- Levels of GDF-15 and FGF-21 were measured.
- Correlations between GDF-15, FGF-21, age, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), body mass index (BMI), and body weight were examined.
Main Results:
- GDF-15 and FGF-21 were significantly elevated in MD.
- GDF-15 and FGF-21 correlated in MD but not in LE, MS/NMOSD, or ALS.
- GDF-15 was influenced by age in LE, MS/NMOSD, and ALS, but not MD. GDF-15 correlated with EDSS in MS/NMOSD.
Conclusions:
- GDF-15 levels can be influenced by age and EDSS in specific neurological conditions.
- Mitochondrial damage in MS/NMOSD may confound GDF-15 measurements.
- GDF-15 shows promise as a mitochondrial biomarker, but its interpretation requires consideration of potential confounding factors.
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