Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
A Model for Encephalomyosynangiosis Treatment after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion-Induced Stroke in Mice
Published on: June 22, 2022
Osteopontin Is Associated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapses
Mario Stampanoni Bassi1, Fabio Buttari1, Luana Gilio1
1IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy.
Background:
Osteopontin, an extracellular matrix protein involved in bone remodeling, tissue repair and inflammation, has previously been associated with increased inflammation and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS), promoting a worse disease course. Osteopontin is also likely involved in acute MS relapses.
Methods:
In 47 patients with relapsing-remitting MS, we explored the correlation between the time elapsed between the last clinical relapse and lumbar puncture, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of osteopontin and a group of inflammatory cytokines and adipokines such as resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, osteoprotegerin, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). We also analyzed the correlations between CSF levels of osteopontin and the other CSF molecules considered.
Results:
Osteopontin CSF concentrations were higher in patients with a shorter time interval between the last clinical relapse and CSF withdrawal. In addition, CSF levels of osteopontin were positively correlated with the proinflammatory cytokines IL-2 and IL-6 and negatively correlated with the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-1ra.
Conclusions:
Our results further suggest the role of osteopontin in acute MS relapses showing that, in proximity to relapses, osteopontin expression in CSF may be increased along with other proinflammatory mediators and correlated with decreased concentrations of anti-inflammatory molecules.
Insights
Osteopontin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) increase near multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. Higher osteopontin correlates with pro-inflammatory markers and lower anti-inflammatory markers during acute MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biochemistry
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
Background:
- Osteopontin, an extracellular matrix protein, is implicated in inflammation and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Previous research links osteopontin to a worse disease course and potential involvement in acute MS relapses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between osteopontin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the timing of clinical relapses in MS patients.
- To explore correlations between CSF osteopontin, inflammatory cytokines, and adipokines in relapsing-remitting MS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CSF from 47 patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
- Measurement of osteopontin, inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1ra), and adipokines (resistin, PAI-1, osteoprotegerin).
- Correlation analysis between CSF molecule levels and time elapsed since the last clinical relapse.
Main Results:
- Osteopontin CSF concentrations were elevated in patients with shorter intervals since their last clinical relapse.
- CSF osteopontin levels showed a positive correlation with pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2 and IL-6.
- CSF osteopontin levels demonstrated a negative correlation with the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra).
Conclusions:
- Osteopontin expression in CSF appears to increase in proximity to acute MS relapses.
- Elevated osteopontin during relapses is associated with increased pro-inflammatory mediators and decreased anti-inflammatory molecules.
- These findings reinforce the role of osteopontin in the inflammatory processes of acute MS relapses.
