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Updated: Jul 27, 2025
Measurement of Chitinase Activity in Biological Samples
Published on: August 22, 2019
The Peripheral Profile of the Chitinase 3-like-1 in Benign Multiple Sclerosis - A Single Centre's Experience
Laura Barcutean1,2, Adina Hutanu3,4, Sebastian Andone1,2
1Ist Neurology Clinic, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania.
Background:
A limited subgroup of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients present with a longterm disease evolution characterized by a limited disease progression, known as benign MS (BMS). Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) levels are sensitive to inflammatory processes and may play a role in the pathogenesis of MS. In this observational, cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the implications of serum CHI3L1 and inflammatory cytokines in BMS patients treated with interferon β-1b for over a decade.
Methods:
We collected serum samples from 17 BMS patients and 17 healthy controls (HC) to measure serum CHI3L1 levels and a Th17 panel of inflammatory cytokines. Serum levels of CHI3L1 were analysed using the sandwich ELISA method and the Th17 panel was assessed using the multiplex XMap technology on a Flexmap 3D Analyzer.
Results:
Serum CHI3L1 levels did not differ significantly from HC. We identified a positive correlation between CHI3L1 levels and relapses during treatment.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that there are no differences in serum CHI3L1 levels between BMS patients and HC. However, serum CHI3L1 levels are sensitive to clinical inflammatory activity and may be associated with relapses in BMS patients.
Insights
Serum Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) levels are similar in benign multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy controls. However, elevated CHI3L1 may indicate increased inflammatory activity and relapses in MS patients on long-term treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) is a subtype of MS with limited disease progression.
- Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) is implicated in inflammatory processes and MS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum CHI3L1 levels and inflammatory cytokines in BMS patients treated with interferon β-1b.
- To explore the relationship between CHI3L1, cytokines, and disease activity in BMS.
Main Methods:
- Observational, cross-sectional study of 17 BMS patients and 17 healthy controls (HC).
- Serum CHI3L1 measured by ELISA; Th17 cytokines assessed using multiplex XMap technology.
Main Results:
- Serum CHI3L1 levels were comparable between BMS patients and HC.
- A positive correlation was observed between CHI3L1 levels and relapses during treatment.
Conclusions:
- Serum CHI3L1 does not differ between BMS patients and HC.
- CHI3L1 levels correlate with clinical inflammatory activity and may predict relapses in BMS patients.
