Determination of systemic inflammatory biomarkers in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neuroimmunology
• Clinical Neurology
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS).
• Investigating inflammatory biomarkers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is crucial for understanding MS pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare serum and CSF levels of inflammatory biomarkers in MS patients versus controls.
• To identify potential biomarkers associated with MS disease progression.

Main Methods:

• The study included 120 subjects: 60 with MS, 30 with non-inflammatory CNS diseases, and 30 healthy controls.
• Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) were measured.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilaments (NFs) were analyzed, alongside serial CRP and NLR measurements over two years.

Main Results:

• MS patients showed lower GDF15 and initial CRP compared to non-inflammatory CNS disease controls.
• MS patients with radiological progression exhibited significantly elevated CRP and NLR levels at baseline and two years.
• Positive correlations were observed between CRP and NFs, and between CRP and GDF15 in MS patients.

Conclusions:

• Elevated systemic inflammation markers (CRP, NLR) are associated with MS disease progression evident on MRI.
• Further research is needed to validate these markers for assessing MS activity and predicting disability.