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Correlation of soluble adhesion molecules in blood and cerebrospinal fluid with magnetic resonance imaging activity
P Rieckmann1, B Altenhofen, A Riegel
1Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Several studies have reported a positive correlation between levels of soluble adhesion molecules in serum or cerebrospinal fluid and cranial MRI activity. We performed a cross-sectional study in 46 patients with newly diagnosed MS and determined levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-I (sICAM-I) as well as vascular cell adhesion molecule-I (sVCAM-I) in correlation to the number and area of gadolinium enhancing lesions on cranial magnetic resonance images (MRI). The data revealed a significant positive correlation between sVCAM-I serum levels and gadolinium enhancing lesions. In addition, CSF to serum ratios for sICAM-I and sVCAM-I correlated to MRI activity. In patients with a single enhancing lesion (SEL) there was a negative correlation between the QsCAM and the distance of the SEL to the ventricles. As these adhesion molecules are stable and markers of disease activity in MS, we further investigated sVCAM-I serum levels during treatment with interferon beta-Ib (Betaferon). Significant increases in serum levels for sVCAM-I in patients receiving Betaferon were associated with a favourable treatment response after 1 year in 17 out of 19 patients and correlated to decreased MRI activity, whereas stable or reduced sVCAM-I levels occurred more often in non-responders (five out of six patients). Therefore it can be hypothesized that soluble adhesion molecules are released from cerebral endothelial cells as an early immunoregulatory activity of the immune system to reduce cellular traffic across the blood brain barrier and this is further enhanced by IFN-beta treatment.
Insights
Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-I (sVCAM-I) and intercellular adhesion molecule-I (sICAM-I) correlate with MRI-detected disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). Increased sVCAM-I during interferon beta-Ib treatment suggests a favorable immunoregulatory response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Neurology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Soluble adhesion molecules (sICAM-I, sVCAM-I) are implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
- Previous studies suggest a link between adhesion molecule levels and MS activity on MRI.
- The role of these molecules as early indicators of disease activity and treatment response requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between serum levels of sICAM-I and sVCAM-I and cranial MRI activity in newly diagnosed MS patients.
- To explore the relationship between these adhesion molecules, MRI activity, and treatment response to interferon beta-Ib (IFN-β1b).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 46 patients with newly diagnosed MS.
- Measurement of serum sICAM-I and sVCAM-I levels.
- Correlation analysis with the number and area of gadolinium-enhancing lesions on cranial MRI.
- Analysis of CSF to serum ratios for sICAM-I and sVCAM-I.
- Longitudinal assessment of sVCAM-I levels in patients treated with IFN-β1b.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlation found between serum sVCAM-I levels and gadolinium-enhancing lesions on MRI.
- CSF to serum ratios for both sICAM-I and sVCAM-I correlated with MRI activity.
- In patients receiving IFN-β1b, increased sVCAM-I levels were associated with favorable treatment response and decreased MRI activity.
- Stable or reduced sVCAM-I levels were more common in non-responders to IFN-β1b.
Conclusions:
- Serum sVCAM-I and sICAM-I levels are significant markers of active MS lesions on MRI.
- These adhesion molecules may serve as early indicators of immunoregulatory activity, potentially enhanced by IFN-β1b treatment.
- Increased sVCAM-I during IFN-β1b therapy suggests a positive response and reduced disease activity.
