Oral Contraceptives Interact with Adiposity-Associated Markers in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Adipose tissue plays a role in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) pathogenesis.
• Sex hormones, such as those in combined oral contraceptives (COCs), may influence metabolic pathways and disease activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of COCs on body weight, leptin, and adiponectin (APN) levels in RRMS patients.
• To explore the relationship between COC use, adipokine levels, and disease severity.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 62 women with RRMS before disease-modifying therapy initiation.
• Comparison of COC users versus non-users regarding anthropometric measurements and blood adipokine levels.
• Statistical analyses included Pearson's correlations and hierarchical multiple linear regressions.

Main Results:

• COC users exhibited lower normalized APN levels compared to non-users.
• Negative correlation between waist circumference and normalized APN was found only in non-users.
• Longer COC duration correlated with increased BMI and waist circumference; APN predicted MS Severity Score (MSSS) in non-users but not in users.

Conclusions:

• COC use in RRMS patients is associated with altered adiponectin levels and body composition.
• The predictive relationship between APN and disease severity is diminished in COC users.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the interaction between sex steroids, adipose metabolism, and MS progression.