CSF β-amyloid is not a prognostic marker in multiple sclerosis patients

Justine Petitfour1, Xavier Ayrignac1, Nelly Ginestet2

  • 1Département de Neurologie, Univ Montpellier, INM, INSERM, MS Referral Centre & Reference Centre for Adult-Onset Leukodystrophies, CHU Montpellier, 80 Av Augustin Fliche, Montpellier 34295, France.

Abstract

Insights

Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid levels do not predict multiple sclerosis (MS) prognosis. This study found no association between CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 levels and disease severity or 3-year disability in MS patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of chronic inflammatory demyelination with variable prognosis.
  • Identifying reliable prognostic biomarkers is crucial for effective MS management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prognostic value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) beta-amyloid-42 (Aβ42) and beta-amyloid-40 (Aβ40) levels in MS patients.
  • To assess the potential of CSF amyloid levels as biomarkers for MS status and disease progression.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical, MRI, and CSF data from 89 recently diagnosed MS patients (55 RRMS, 34 PPMS) and 27 controls.
  • Evaluation of CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels and their ratio.
  • Multivariate analysis considering age and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
  • 3-year follow-up of 55 RRMS patients to assess disability progression.

Main Results:

  • CSF amyloid-beta (Aβ) levels and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio did not differ between MS patients and controls.
  • Higher CSF Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels were observed in primary progressive MS (PPMS) compared to relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and in patients with higher EDSS.
  • Only patient age, not EDSS or MS subtype, was associated with CSF amyloid levels in multivariate analysis.
  • No correlation was found between baseline CSF amyloid levels and 3-year disability progression in RRMS patients.

Conclusions:

  • CSF amyloid levels are not associated with MS status or disease severity.
  • CSF amyloid levels do not appear to be a prognostic biomarker in recently diagnosed RRMS.
  • Further research may be needed to identify reliable prognostic markers for MS.