Increased plasma levels of pentraxin 3 in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are immune-mediated inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. In the acute phase of these diseases, secondary ischemia due to inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction may be an important pathological change. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a pro-inflammatory protein and a novel biomarker of inflammatory vascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine whether PTX3 levels are elevated in MS and NMO patients.

METHODS

The concentrations of plasma PTX3 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 22 MS patients, 26 NMO patients, 15 acute cerebral infarction (CI) patients, 11 mild headache patients, and 14 volunteer controls.

RESULTS

During relapse, plasma PTX3 levels were higher in MS patients than in headache patients (p=0.003) and controls (p<0.001). Plasma PTX3 levels were also increased in NMO patients compared with CI patients (p=0.011), headache patients (p<0.001) and controls (p<0.001). CI patients showed elevated PTX3 levels compared with controls (p=0.008). MS and NMO patients showed a trend toward an increased disease disability with higher plasma PTX3 during relapse (MS: p=0.005; NMO: p<0.001). Plasma PTX3 levels were remarkably lower in remission than in the relapse stage (MS: p<0.001; NMO: p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Plasma PTX3 level is associated with inflammatory responses in MS and NMO.