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Human macrophage colony-stimulating factor levels in cerebrospinal fluid
K Shimoda1, S Okamura, Y Mizuno
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of 14 patients with meningitis and of 14 patients suffering from a disease other than meningitis were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All four bacterial meningitis patients had M-CSF levels in the cerebrospinal fluid which exceeded 1540 U/ml, and the mean value was 3333 +/- 1481 U/ml. The mean M-CSF level in the cerebrospinal fluid of the ten aseptic meningitis patients was 393 +/- 175 U/ml, which was higher than that of patients who suffered from a disease other than meningitis (179 +/- 90 U/ml) (P < 0.01). There was no clear correlation between the M-CSF levels and the numbers of white blood cells, granulocytes, or monocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid. These elevated M-CSF levels were thought to be of a local origin, since most patients with high M-CSF levels in the cerebrospinal fluid had relatively low M-CSF levels in the serum.
Insights
Elevated levels of Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in cerebrospinal fluid indicate meningitis. This biomarker may aid in diagnosing meningitis, distinguishing it from other neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is crucial for immune cell development.
- M-CSF's role in meningitis pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure M-CSF levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of meningitis patients.
- To compare M-CSF levels between bacterial meningitis, aseptic meningitis, and non-meningitis patients.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify M-CSF.
- CSF and serum samples were collected from 14 meningitis patients and 14 controls.
- M-CSF levels were correlated with white blood cell counts in CSF.
Main Results:
- Bacterial meningitis patients exhibited significantly elevated CSF M-CSF levels (mean 3333 U/ml).
- Aseptic meningitis patients also showed higher CSF M-CSF (mean 393 U/ml) compared to controls (mean 179 U/ml) (P < 0.01).
- No significant correlation was found between CSF M-CSF and CSF white blood cell counts.
Conclusions:
- CSF M-CSF levels are elevated in both bacterial and aseptic meningitis.
- Elevated CSF M-CSF is likely of local origin, as indicated by low serum M-CSF levels.
- M-CSF may serve as a potential biomarker for meningitis diagnosis.