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Apolipoprotein E and multiple sclerosis: a biochemical and genetic investigation
O Gaillard1, A Gervais, D Meillet
1Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Centre Hospitalier, Blois, France.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|August 14, 1998
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) apolipoprotein E (apo E) levels are significantly decreased in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, indicating reduced intrathecal apo E synthesis. This reduction may contribute to the progression of neurological diseases like MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E (apo E) is a key lipid carrier protein in the brain, crucial for development and repair.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves myelin destruction and altered lipid metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) apo E concentrations in MS patients and neurological controls.
- To investigate the relationship between CSF apo E levels and intrathecal apo E synthesis in MS.
Main Methods:
- Quantified apo E concentrations using a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay.
- Analyzed apo E levels in serum and CSF of 13 control subjects and 129 neurological patients, including 34 with MS.
- Assessed clinical parameters in MS patients.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease (P < 0.01) in CSF apo E was observed in MS patients, correlated with reduced intrathecal apo E.
- The observed decrease in CSF apo E in MS patients was independent of apo E genotype.
- Included patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other neurological diseases.
Conclusions:
- Reduced intrathecal apo E synthesis may contribute to the progression of neurological diseases, particularly MS.
- Apo E's role as a neurotrophic factor suggests its deficiency impacts neurological disease progression.