Is multiple sclerosis a risk factor for atherosclerosis?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Immunology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disease.
• Atherosclerosis is a potential complication in MS patients.
• Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) are markers for atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) levels in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients.
• To identify potential predisposing factors for atherosclerosis in MS.
• To compare the utility of CIMT and Hs-CRP as atherosclerosis markers in MS.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 35 RRMS patients and 34 healthy controls were assessed.
• Measurements included CIMT, Hs-CRP, vitamin D, vitamin B12, BMI, smoking history, and EDSS scores.
• Exclusion criteria included history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease, and acute relapses.

Main Results:

• Sixty-nine participants were included (mean age 35.8 years).
• Right CIMT was significantly greater in MS patients (P<0.001), correlating with age (r=0.41, P=0.01).
• No significant difference in CIMT was found based on Hs-CRP levels (P>0.15). Mean vitamin D levels were higher in MS patients (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• CIMT appears to be influenced by MS disease activity and age.
• CIMT may be a more sensitive indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in MS than Hs-CRP.
• Further large-scale studies in MS populations are warranted.