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The Serum Level of Midkine in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica
Milad Moayednia1, Leila Dehghani2, Amir Safi1
1Isfahan Neurosciences Research Center, Alzahra Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Introduction:
Midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor, is involved in neurological diseases by mediating the inflammatory responses through enhancing the leukocyte migration. The present study assesses the serum concentration of this growth factor among newly developed Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) patients.
Methods:
The present research, as a cross-sectional study, was performed at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan City, Iran. All samples were selected from patients who visited Kashani and Alzahra hospitals for two years (2014 to 2016). The MK level was assessed in 80 new MS cases, 80 NMO patients, and 80 healthy subjects. After collecting blood sera samples, MK serum level was measured using the ELISA. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS.
Results:
The Mean±SD MK level was 1038.58±44.73 pg/mL in the MS group, which was significantly higher than the Mean±SD MK level in the NMO (872.62±55.42 pg/mL) and control groups (605.02±9.42 pg/mL).
Conclusion:
Overall, these results demonstrated that MK plays a prominent role in inflammatory reactions and neuroautoimmune diseases, especially in MS. So, the MK level may be used for earlier diagnosis and also prevention of disease progression by using a special inhibitor.
Insights
Serum midkine (MK) levels are significantly higher in new Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients compared to Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) and healthy individuals, suggesting MK’s role in neuroautoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Midkine (MK), a heparin-binding growth factor, is implicated in neurological disease pathogenesis.
- MK enhances leukocyte migration, contributing to inflammatory responses in the central nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare serum midkine (MK) concentrations in newly diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) patients.
- To investigate the potential role of MK in the inflammatory processes of these neuroautoimmune conditions.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
- Serum MK levels were measured using ELISA in 80 MS patients, 80 NMO patients, and 80 healthy controls.
- Data analysis performed using SPSS software.
Main Results:
- Mean serum MK level in MS patients (1038.58±44.73 pg/mL) was significantly elevated compared to NMO patients (872.62±55.42 pg/mL) and healthy controls (605.02±9.42 pg/mL).
- These findings indicate a differential involvement of MK in MS and NMO pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Midkine (MK) plays a significant role in the inflammatory pathways of neuroautoimmune diseases, particularly Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Serum MK levels may serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and prevention of disease progression in MS.
- Targeting MK with inhibitors could be a therapeutic strategy for managing MS and related neuroinflammatory conditions.
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