Download PDFOpen PDF in browserDecreased Levels of Soluble Fractalkine as an Early Biomarker Distinguishing Secondary Progressive from Relapsing Remitting Multiple SclerosisEasyChair Preprint 82914 pages•Date: June 18, 2022AbstractObjectives: Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) differs from Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) in clinical, immunological, pathological, radiological characteristics and response to treatment. A spesific biomarker for the transition from RRMS to SPMS have not yet been reported, so our aim in this study is to evaluate the role of soluble fractalkine (sFKN;CX3CL1) as an early biomarker for disease progression in distinguishing between SPMS and RRMS. Methods: 24 SPMS, 38 RRMS and 30 healty controls have been included in this study. SPMS and RRMS were diagnosed according to Mc Donald 2017 criteria and were not taken any drug at the time of the study. The degree of neurological deficits were assessed by EDSS. Serum levels of sFKN were tested by ELISA method. Results: We found that there was a statistically significant lower serum levels of sFKN in SPMS patients than RRMS patients and healty controls. Conclusion: Cytokines and chemokines are known to play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Among chemokins, serum levels of sFKN was reported to be elevated in RRMS patients. However, it has not been observed in patients with SPMS. Fractalkine is a unique chemokine with one-to-one relationship with its receptor (CX3CR1) to reduce expression of pro-inflammatory genes in activated microglia. These functions of fractalkine as an intrinsic inhibitor against neurotoxicity and may be an intrinsic neuroprotective chemokine in the CNS. According to the results of our study, the decrease in serum sFKN level supports the development of neurodegeneration by increasing neuroinflammation in CNS. It may contribute to the neurodegenerative mechanisms of progression and promote the transition from RRMS to SPMS. As a result, our research shows that sFKN can be used as an early biomarker associated with disease progression in MS and in future it will be a promising new therapeutic target. Keyphrases: Fractalkine, RRMS, SPMS, biomarker
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