Inflammatory Multiple-Sclerosis Plaques Generate Characteristic Metabolic Profiles in Cerebrospinal Fluid MS Plaques and CSF Metabolites
2007

Metabolic Profiles of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Multiple Sclerosis

Sample size: 33 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lutz Norbert W., Viola Angèle, Malikova Irina, Confort-Gouny Sylviane, Audoin Bertrand, Ranjeva Jean-Philippe, Pelletier Jean, Cozzone Patrick J.

Primary Institution: Centre de Résonance Magnétique Biologique et Médicale, UMR CNRS 6612, Faculté de Médecine de la Timone, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France

Hypothesis

What are the characteristic effects of inflammatory MS plaques on the cerebrospinal fluid metabolome?

Conclusion

The study found that CSF metabolic profiles indicate a close link between MS plaque activity and organic-acid metabolism.

Supporting Evidence

  • Seven metabolites showed statistically significant inter-group differences.
  • A significant increase in β-hydroxyisobutyrate was detected in CIS patients with active plaques.
  • A significant correlation was found between CSF lactate concentration and the number of inflammatory MS brain plaques.
  • Fructose concentrations were equally enhanced in CIS patients with or without active plaques.
  • Principal component analysis yielded group-specific clusters based on metabolite profiles.

Takeaway

This study looked at the fluid around the brain in people with multiple sclerosis to see how it changes when there are active brain plaques. They found some interesting differences in the chemicals present.

Methodology

Cerebrospinal fluid was analyzed using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify 27 metabolites.

Limitations

The metabolite concentration ranges for the three groups overlapped considerably, limiting diagnostic utility.

Participant Demographics

33 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), including 21 with active plaques and 12 without, aged 18 to 45.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0020

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0000595

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