Prevalence and clinical significance of anti-phospholipid antibodies in multiple sclerosis: a study of 89 patients

Laboratory evaluation for the differential diagnosis of possible multiple sclerosis in the United States: A physician survey

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence and lack of guidelines for diagnostic laboratory evaluation of patients with possible multiple sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVE

To survey neurologists on their practice of laboratory testing in patients with possible MS.

METHODS

An online survey was developed to query the frequency of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies ordered in the routine evaluation of patients with possible MS, and in three hypothetical clinical cases. Non-MS specialist neurologists who evaluate patients for MS in their practice were invited to participate by MedSurvey (a medical market research company).

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 190 neurologists. A mean of 17.2 (SD: 17.0) tests in serum and CSF were reported "always" ordered in the evaluation of patients with possible MS. CSF oligoclonal bands was the most frequently selected ("always" among 73.7% of participants). Antinuclear antibody (43.2%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (34.2%), and thyroid stimulating hormone (31.6%) were also among the most frequently ordered.

DISCUSSION

Extensive laboratory evaluations are often completed in the evaluation of possible MS. However, many of these tests have poor specificity and false positive results could yield unnecessary increased costs, diagnostic delay, and potentially misdiagnosis. Further research is needed to identify optimal laboratory approaches for possible MS.

Antiphospholipid Antibodies Overlapping in Isolated Neurological Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis: Neurobiological Insights and Diagnostic Challenges

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by arterial and venous thrombosis, pregnancy morbidity and fetal loss caused by pathogenic autoantibodies directed against phospholipids (PL) and PL-cofactors. Isolated neurological APS may represent a significant diagnostic challenge, as epidemiological, clinical and neuroimaging features may overlap with those of multiple sclerosis (MS). In an open view, MS could be considered as an organ-specific anti-lipid (phospholipid and glycosphingolipid associated proteins) disease, in which autoreactive B cells and CD8+ T cells play a dominant role in its pathophysiology. In MS, diverse autoantibodies against the lipid-protein cofactors of the myelin sheath have been described, whose pathophysiologic role has not been fully elucidated. We carried out a review to select clinical studies addressing the prevalence of antiphospholipid (aPL) autoantibodies in the so-called MS-like syndrome. The reported prevalence ranged between 2% and 88%, particularly aCL and aβ2GPI, with predominant IgM isotype and suggesting worse MS prognosis. Secondarily, an updated summary of current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms and events responsible for these conditions is presented. We draw attention to the clinical relevance of diagnosing isolated neurological APS. Prompt and accurate diagnosis and antiaggregant and anticoagulant treatment of APS could be vital to prevent or at least reduce APS-related morbidity and mortality.

Do elevated autoantibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis matter?

OBJECTIVES

The incidence and clinical impact of serum autoantibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are controversially discussed. The aim of the study was to reassess the value of elevated serum autoantibodies in our MS study cohort.

MATERIAL & METHODS

In total, 176 MS patients were retrospectively analyzed for coexistence and clinical impact of increased serum autoantibody levels.

RESULTS

The 18.8% of the MS cohort showed elevated serum autoantibody levels, but only 10.2% of all MS patients were diagnosed with a further autoimmune disease (AI). Patients with elevated serum autoantibodies (AABS) were not significantly more often diagnosed with a clinical manifest AI as compared to patients with negative autoantibodies (P = 0.338). MS patients with disease duration of more than 10 years showed no significant increase of positive autoantibodies as compared to patients with a more recent disease onset (P = 1). MS patients with elevated serum autoantibodies did not exhibit a significantly worse disease course (P = 0.428).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our data, elevated serum autoantibodies do not have the potential to serve as a prognostic tool for disease severity in patients with MS Since MS patients with positive serum AABS did not significantly more often suffer from clinical manifest AIs than MS patients with negative serum AABS, the role of routine testing of serum AABS in MS patients should be critically called into question.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome and the Neurologist: From Pathogenesis to Therapy

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune antibody-mediated condition characterized by thrombotic events and/or pregnancy morbidity in association with persistent positivity to antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The nervous system is frequently affected, as intracranial vessels are the most frequent site of arterial pathology. Over the course of years, many other neurological conditions not included in the diagnostic criteria, have been associated with APS. The pathogenic mechanisms behind the syndrome are complex and not fully elucidated. aPL enhance thrombosis, interfering with different pathways. Nevertheless, ischemic injury is not always sufficient to explain clinical features of the syndrome and immune-mediated damage has been advocated. This may be particularly relevant in the context of neurological complications. The reason why only a subgroup of patients develop non-criteria nervous system disorders and what determines the clinical phenotype are questions that remain open. The double nature, thrombotic and immunologic, of APS is also reflected by therapeutic strategies. In this review we summarize known neurological manifestations of APS, revisiting pathogenesis and current treatment options.

Hughes syndrome and Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) share common clinical, laboratory and radiological features. We reviewed all the English papers on MS and APS published in the literature from 1965 to 2014 using PubMed and Google Scholar. We found that APS can mimic antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL)-positive MS in many ways in its clinical presentation. Nevertheless, APS diagnosis, clinical manifestations and management differ from those of MS. aPL were found in MS patients with titers ranging from 2% to 88%. The distribution and volume of lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help to differentiate MS from primary APS. In addition, atypical MS presentation can guide physicians toward an alternative diagnosis, especially when features of thrombosis and/or history of connective tissue disease are present. In that case, an anticoagulation trial could be worthwhile.

High frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies in relapse of multiple sclerosis: a possible indicator of inflammatory-thrombotic processes

The exact prevalence and pathogenic role of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) remain unclear. This observational laboratory-blinded study evaluated the rate of aPL positivity in healthy controls and MS patients in different disease phases to recognize their frequency and possible pathogenic meaning. Reactivity for anti-cardiolipin, anti-β2 glycoprotein I, anti-prothrombin, anti-annexin V (IgG and IgM) was studied by enzyme immunoassays in 60 healthy controls and 100 consecutive MS patients [58 relapsing-remitting (RR) patients in remission, 26 RR patients in relapse, and 16 secondary progressive patients]. The overall rate of positivity for at least one aPL was significantly higher in MS patients compared to controls (32 % vs. 7 %, respectively, p < 0.0001), and in relapsing phase compared to those remitting or secondary progressive (53.8, 20.7 and 37.5 %, respectively, p = 0.002). In the single aPL analysis, the rate of positivity was significantly higher in MS patients compared to controls for anti-prothrombin IgM (7 % vs. 0, p = 0.05), and in relapsing phase compared to remitting and secondary progressive phases for anti-β2 glycoprotein I IgM (26.9, 1.7, 6.3 %, respectively, p < 0.0001), anti-prothrombin IgM (15.4, 3.4, 6.3 %, respectively, p = 0.05) and IgG (19.2, 5.2, 0 %, respectively, p = 0.05). We showed a significant aPL increase in MS patients compared to healthy controls, particularly during disease relapse which was also associated with significantly higher values of anti-β2 glycoprotein I and anti-prothrombin. These data suggest that antiphospholipid antibody occurrence in multiple sclerosis could be related to modification of structure and function of proteins involved in the inflammatory-thrombotic processes during disease re-activation.

Coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis: prevalence, clinical characteristics, and natural history

OBJECTIVES

The coexistence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) in the same individual has rarely been described. Our objective was to report on the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of cases fulfilling the criteria for both SLE and MS.

METHODS

We utilized existing patient cohorts from the Departments of Rheumatology and Neurology, University of Crete, and screened patients diagnosed with either SLE (n = 728) or MS (n = 819) for features of both diseases. The clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging findings were assessed.

RESULTS

We identified nine patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for both SLE and MS, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 1.0-1.2% in each cohort. All patients were women, with an average age at SLE diagnosis of 42.1 years (range: 34-56 years). The diagnosis of SLE preceded the development of MS in five patients, with a time lag ≤ 5 years in four of them. Initial presentation of MS included spinal symptoms in seven patients. All patients had features of mild SLE with predominantly cutaneous, mucosal, and musculoskeletal manifestations. Accordingly, therapeutic decisions were mainly guided by the severity of the neurological syndrome. During the median follow-up of 4 years (range: 1-10 years), three patients remained stable and the remaining experienced gradual deterioration in their neurological status. SLE remained quiescent in all patients while on standard immunomodulatory MS therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Occurrence of both diseases in the same individual is rare, corroborating data that suggest distinct molecular signatures. SLE and MS coexistence was not associated with a severe phenotype for either entity.

Autoantibodies and Sjogren's Syndrome in multiple sclerosis, a reappraisal

Background

Rheumatologic diseases may cause neurologic disorders that mimic multiple sclerosis (MS). A panel of serum autoantibodies is often obtained as part of the evaluation of patients suspected of having MS.

Objectives

To determine, in light of recently revised diagnostic criteria for MS, neuromyelitis optica, and Sjogren’s Syndrome, if testing for autoantibodies in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS would reveal a frequency or demonstrate a clinical utility divergent from previous reports or lead to identification of undiagnosed cases of Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Methods

Convenience sample cross-sectional study of MS patients recruited from the OHSU Multiple Sclerosis Center.

Results

Autoantibodies were detected in 38% (35/91) of patients with MS and were not significantly associated with disease characteristics or severity. While four patients had SSA antibodies, none met diagnostic criteria for Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Conclusions

Rheumatologic autoantibodies are frequently found in MS patients and are not associated with disease severity or systemic rheumatologic disease. Our demonstration of the low specificity of these autoantibodies suggests that the diagnostic utility and cost-effectiveness of testing is not supported when there is strong clinical suspicion of MS and low clinical suspicion of rheumatologic disease.

Implications of Lymphocyte Anergy to Glycolipids in Multiple Sclerosis (MS): iNKT Cells May Mediate the MS Infectious Trigger

Immunogenic lipids may play key roles in host defenses against infection and in generating autoimmune inflammation and organ-specific damage. In multiple sclerosis (MS) there are unequivocal autoimmune features and vulnerability to aggravation or induction by microbial or viral infection. We have found glycolipid-driven anergy of circulating lymphocytes in MS indicating that this immune response is affected in MS and the robust effects of iNKT activation with potent cellular and cytokine activities emphasizes its potential importance. Diverse glycolipids including the endogenous myelin acetylated-galactosylceramides (AcGalCer) can drive activation that could be critical to the inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system and clinical consequences. The iNKT cells and their invariant or iTCR (Vα24Jα18Vβ11) receptor an innate defense–a discrete immune arm that is separate from peptide-driven acquired immune responses. This offers new possibilities for insight including a likelihood that the pattern recognition of exogenous microbial and myelin immunogens can overlap and cross-react especially in an inflammatory milieu.

Hypothesis of an energetic function for myelin

Nervous system is a great oxygen consumer, but the site of oxygen absorption has remained elusive. Four proteomic studies have shown that the respiratory complexes I to V may be expressed in isolated myelin. Myelin is an outgrowth of glial cells, surrounding many axons in multiple spires both in peripheral and central nervous system. Recent quantitative analyses strongly support the daring hypothesis that myelin is functional in aerobic ATP production, to supply the neuron with chemical energy. A vision of myelin sheath as a structure devoted to the oxygen absorbance for glucose combustion in nervous system thank to its enormous surface, would be also supported by an impressive series of characteristics and properties of myelin that do not presently find an explanation, all of which are herein examined.

Antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis

The prevalence of autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and their clinical associations differ between various studies. This study investigated antiphospholipid and antinuclear antibodies in 85 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) with regard to their association with demographic features, MS specific clinical features and symptoms of connective tissue diseases. Autoantibodies tested included antinuclear antibodies (ANA) with their specificities and anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI) antibodies. Antinuclear antibodies were more prevalent in MS patients than in controls (63.5% vs. 3.3%; p < 0.01) and in 19% of patients specific antinuclear antibodies were detected. Anti-β2GPI IgM antibodies were more frequent in MS patients than in the control group (20% vs. 3.3%; p < 0.05). The frequency of anticardiolipin antibodies did not differ between MS patients and controls. MS patients seropositive for ANA and extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) had significantly shorter disease duration than seronegative patients (p < 0.05) and a lower disability score (Expanded Disability Status Score; EDSS) (p < 0.05). Anti-β2GPI antibodies were more frequent in patients with secondary progressive MS (SP-MS) and specific ANA antibodies were more frequent in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) (p < 0.05). The presence of autoantibodies was not associated with the predominant site of neurological involvement or the clinical features of connective tissue diseases.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and the brain: a consensus report

This report discusses the difference between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) as a predictor for first and recurrent ischemic stroke, whether or not concomitant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) increases aPL-associated risk, and the association of aPL with other neurological manifestations. The neurological manifestations covered in this report were selected because they are among the most common, including cognitive dysfunction, headache, multiple sclerosis and seizures/epilepsy. Recommendations are made regarding further research that is needed to clarify remaining uncertainties.

The structural and functional role of myelin fast-migrating cerebrosides: pathological importance in multiple sclerosis

A family of neutral glycosphingolipids containing a 3-O-acetyl-sphingosine galactosylceramide (3-SAG) has been characterized. Seven new derivatives of galactosylceramide (GalCer), designated as fast-migrating cerebrosides (FMCs) by TLC retention factor, have been identified. The simplest compounds - FMC-1 and FMC-2 - of this series have been characterized as the 3-SAG containing nonhydroxy and hydroxy fatty acyl, respectively. The next two - FMC-3 and FMC-4 - add 6-O-acetyl-galactose and the most complex glycosphingolipids, FMC-5, -6 and -7, are 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-3-SAG. These hydrophobic myelin lipid biomarkers coappear with GalCer during myelinogenesis and disappear along with GalCer in de- or dys-myelinating disorders. Myelin lipid antigens, including FMCs, are keys to myelin biology, opening the possibility of new and novel immune modulatory tools for treatment of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis.

Molecular and immunogenic features of myelin lipids: incitants or modulators of multiple sclerosis?

Myelin lipids have long been thought to play intriguing roles in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). This review summarizes current understanding of the molecular basis of MS with emphasis on the: (i.) physico-chemical properties, organization and accessibility of the lipids and their distribution within the myelin multilayer; (ii.) characterization of myelin lipid structures, and structure-function relationships relevant to MS mechanisms, and; (iii.) immunogenic and other features of lipids in MS including molecular mimicry, lipid enzyme genetic knockouts, glycolipid-reactive NKT cells, and monoclonal antibody-induced remyelination. New findings associate anti-lipid antibodies with pathophysiological biomarkers and suggest clinical utility. The structure of CD1d-lipid complexed with the lipophilic invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) may be crucial to understanding MS pathogenesis, and design of lipid antigen-specific therapeutics. Novel immuno-modulatory tools for treatment of autoimmune diseases including MS in which there is both constraint of inflammation and stimulation of remyelination are now emerging.

A clinically isolated syndrome: a challenging entity: multiple sclerosis or collagen tissue disorders: clues for differentiation

Acute isolated neurological syndromes, such as optic neuropathy or transverse myelopathy, may cause diagnostic problems since they can be the first presentations of a number of diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and collageneous tissue disorders. In the present study, particular systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) patients, who were followed up with the initial diagnosis of possible MS with no evidence of collagen tissue disorders for several years, are described. Five patients with the final diagnosis of SLE and five pSS patients are evaluated with their neurologic, systemic and radiologic findings.Over several years, all developed some systemic symptoms like arthritis, arthralgia, headache, dry mouth and eyes unexpected in MS. During the regular and close follow-up laboratory evaluations of vasculitic markers revealed positivity, leading to the final definite diagnosis of SLE or pSS. Patients with atypical neurological presentation of MS, a relapsing remitting clinical profile, or lack of response to the regular MS treatment should be evaluated for the presence of a connective tissue disease. Various laboratory tests, such as cerebrospinal fluid findings, autoantibodies profile, markers, cranial and spinal magnetic resonance imaging, can be helpful for the differential diagnosis. Lack of response to the regular multiple sclerosis treatment, even increasing rate of relapses can force the clinician for the differential diagnosis. In particular cases an accurate diagnosis can only be made after close follow-up.

Autoantibodies and neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis

Neurodegeneration develops in association with inflammation and demyelination in multiple sclerosis. Available data suggest that the progressive neuroaxonal loss begins in the earliest stages of the disease and underlies the accumulation of clinical disability. The loss of neurons and their processes is driven by a complex molecular mechanism involving cellular and humoral immune histotoxicity, demyelination, reduced neurotrophic support, metabolic impairment, and altered intracellular processes. Here we survey available data concerning the role of autoreactive immunoglobulins in neurotoxicity. A better understanding of molecular pathways leading to immune-mediated neurodegeneration may have key importance in the successful treatment of the disease.

Clinical and MRI correlates of autoreactive antibodies in multiple sclerosis patients

BACKGROUND

Autoreactive antibodies (ARAB) occur more frequently in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) than in general population and the presence of these antibodies often causes uncertainty regarding the disease course, response to therapy and the diagnosis of MS.

METHODS

Retrospective analyses of the ARAB, clinical and MRI data of a consecutive patient cohort of MS and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients were conducted. The patients were evaluated for an extensive panel that included various subtypes of antiphospholipid antibody (APLA) including anti-phosphatidylethanolamine (APE), anti-phosphatidylserine (APS), anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-1 (ABGP), anti-cardiolipin (ACA), and several other ARAB such as antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (ATA), anti-SS-A, and anti-SS-B antibodies. Quantitative MRI analysis was performed in a subgroup of MS patients measuring T2-lesion volume (LV), T1 black hole LV and brain parenchymal fraction (BPF).

RESULTS

A total of 137 patients (mean age 44.7, 84% female) with either MS (n=111; age: mean 46.5+/-S.D. 10.3 years; disease duration: mean 13.0+/-S.D. 10.4 years; EDSS: mean 3.2+/-S.D. 1.9) or CIS (n=26; age: mean 37.7+/-S.D. 7.8 years; disease duration: mean 1.3+/-S.D. 1.1 years; EDSS: mean 1.0+/-S.D. 0.7) were enrolled. Among MS patients, 82 were RRMS, 26 SPMS, and 3 had PPMS. Seventy-seven (69%) of MS patients showed presence of one or more ARAB. The proportion of MS patients with APLA was 55% (61 patients); IgM subtype was most frequent. Co-occurrence of ACA and APE was more frequent in SPMS as compared to RRMS (15.4% vs. 1.2%, p=0.012). The proportion of CIS patients with ARAB was 75% with IgM subtype being the most frequent. However, the ARAB in majority of CIS patients (9 out of 14, 64%) were transient on repeated testing. In a subgroup of 62 MS patients, quantitative MRI analysis showed significantly higher T2-LV in patients with positive APLA (15.1 ml for APLA positive vs. 6.75 ml for APLA negative) after correcting for the disease duration (p=0.048). The patients with ATA also had significantly higher T2-LV after correction for disease duration (19.0 ml vs.8.5, p=0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

ARAB were present in more than two thirds of MS and CIS patients although most of APLA in CIS were transient. The presence of APLA in MS patients was associated with higher T2-LV.

Demyelination in rheumatic diseases

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterised by multifocal areas of demyelination in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord. Autoantibodies, for example antinuclear antibodies, can also be present. MS and other demyelinating processes, such as transverse myelitis and optic neuritis (which may be clinically isolated cases or be part of the clinical spectrum of MS), are sometimes difficult to differentiate from CNS involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), Sjoegren's syndrome (SS), and Adamantiades-Behcet disease (BD). An acute isolated neurological syndrome presents the biggest diagnostic problem, since it is common in MS, but can also be the only feature or first manifestation in SLE, APS, SS, and BD. Indeed, the clinical presentation and lesions evidenced by magnetic resonance imaging may be similar.

International consensus statement on an update of the classification criteria for definite antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

New clinical, laboratory and experimental insights, since the 1999 publication of the Sapporo preliminary classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), had been addressed at a workshop in Sydney, Australia, before the Eleventh International Congress on antiphospholipid antibodies. In this document, we appraise the existing evidence on clinical and laboratory features of APS addressed during the forum. Based on this, we propose amendments to the Sapporo criteria. We also provide definitions on features of APS that were not included in the updated criteria.

Evoked potential studies in the antiphospholipid syndrome: differential diagnosis from multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

The CNS manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can mimic multiple sclerosis both clinically and radiologically.

OBJECTIVE

To compare evoked potential studies in APS patients and patients with multiple sclerosis with similar neurological disability.

METHODS

30 APS patients with CNS manifestations and 33 patients with definite multiple sclerosis and similar neurological disability underwent studies of visual evoked potentials (VEP), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) in the upper and lower limbs (UL, LL), and sympathetic skin responses (SSR) in the upper and lower limbs.

RESULTS

The neurological manifestations in the APS patients included stroke (n = 17), transient ischaemic attacks (n = 10), and severe headache with multiple white matter lesions on brain MRI (n = 3). Abnormal SSEP (LL), and SSR (UL; LL) were seen in APS patients (37%, 27%, and 30%, respectively) but VEP and UL SSEP were rarely abnormal (10% and 6%, respectively in APS v 58% and 33% in multiple sclerosis; p = 0.0005, p = 0.008). Mean VEP latencies were more prolonged in multiple sclerosis (116 ms v 101 ms, p<0.001). Only one APS patient had abnormal findings in all three evoked potential studies, compared with seven patients in the multiple sclerosis group (p = 0.04)

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal VEPs are uncommon in APS in contrast to multiple sclerosis. Coexisting abnormalities in all other evoked potentials were similarly rare in APS. In patients with brain MRI findings compatible either with multiple sclerosis or APS, normal evoked potential tests, and especially a normal VEP, may support the diagnosis of APS.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex genetic disease associated with inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) white matter and is thought to be mediated by autoimmune processes. Clonal expansion of B cells, their antibody products, and T cells, hallmarks of inflammation in the CNS, are found in MS. The association of the disease with major histocompatibility complex genes, the inflammatory white matter infiltrates, similarities with animal models, and the observation that MS can be treated with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies support the hypothesis that autoimmunity plays a major role in the disease pathology. This review discusses the immunopathology of MS with particular focus given to regulatory T cells and the role of B cells and antibodies, immunomodulatory therapeutics, and finally new directions in MS research, particularly new methods to define the molecular pathology of human disease with high-throughput examination of germline DNA haplotypes, RNA expression, and protein structures that will allow the generation of a new series of hypotheses that can be tested to develop better understandings and therapies for this disease.

[The role of nutritional factors on the structure and function of the brain: an update on dietary requirements]

The brain is an organ elaborated and functioning from substances present in the diet. Dietary regulation of blood glucose level (via ingestion of food with a low glycemic index ensuring a low insulin level) improves the quality and duration of intellectual performance, if only because at rest the adult brain consumes 50 p. 100 of dietary carbohydrates, 80 p. 100 of them for energy purposes. The nature of the amino acid composition of dietary proteins contributes to good cerebral function; tryptophan plays a special role. Many indispensable amino acids present in dietary proteins help to elaborate neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Omega-3 fatty acids provided the first coherent experimental demonstration of the effect of dietary nutrients on the structure and function of the brain. First it was shown that the differentiation and functioning of cultured brain cells requires omega-3 fatty acids. It was then demonstrated that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) deficiency alters the course of brain development, perturbs the composition and physicochemical properties of brain cell membranes, neurones, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes (ALA). This leads to physicochemical modifications, induces biochemical and physiological perturbations, and results in neurosensory and behavioral upset. Consequently, the nature of polyunsaturated fatty acids (in particular omega-3) present in formula milks for infants (premature and term) conditions the visual and cerebral abilities, including intellectual abilities. Moreover, dietary omega-3 fatty acids are certainly involved in the prevention of some aspects of cardiovascular disease (including at the level of cerebral vascularization), and in some neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly depression, as well as in dementia, notably Alzheimer's disease. Their deficiency can prevent the satisfactory renewal of membranes and thus accelerate cerebral aging. Iron is necessary to ensure oxygenation, to produce energy in the cerebral parenchyma, and for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. The iodine provided by the thyroid hormone ensures the energy metabolism of the cerebral cells. The absence of iodine during pregnancy induces severe cerebral dysfunction, leading to cretinism. Manganese, copper, and zinc participate in enzymatic mechanisms that protect against free radicals, toxic derivatives of oxygen. The use of glucose by nervous tissue implies the presence of vitamin B1. Vitamin B9 preserves memory during aging, and with vitamin B12 delays the onset of signs of dementia, provided it is administered in a precise clinical window, at the onset of the first symptoms. Vitamins B6 and B12, among others, are directly involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Nerve endings contain the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the human body. Among various vitamin E components, only alpha-tocopherol is involved in nervous membranes. The objective of this update is to give an overview of the effects of dietary nutrients on the structure and certain functions of the brain.

[Prevalence of antimicrosomal antibodies in patients with multiple sclerosis]

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Antimicrosomal Antibodies AMA, thyroid function and the occurrence of hypothyroidism symptoms in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Clinical examination was carried out in 21 MS patients; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), free T4 and AMA were measured. Mean age was 41.05 years. Hypothyroidism symptoms included fatigue, weakness, lethargy and paresthesia. AMA were found in four patients (19%). Three categories of disease duration were considered: <60 months (3 patients AMA+; 7 AMA-), 60-120 months (8 patients AMA-), and >120 months (1 patient AMA+; 2 AMA-). Two patients presented decreased free T4 levels, but there was no associated decrease in T4 and TSH levels. In two patients, a mild increase in TSH levels was observed: one presented normal T4 levels (subclinical hypothyroidism) and the other one had low free T4 levels (classical hypothyroidism). We conclude that AMA measurement and thyroid function tests should become part of the routine assessment of MS patients, in view of the inaccuracy currently observed in the assessment of clinical hypothyroidism as a result of the superposition of hypothyroidism and MS signs and symptoms.

The interface of multiple sclerosis and antiphospholipid antibodies

The interface between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is of great clinical relevance and may also shed some light on their pathogenesis. Although formal diagnostic criteria of these two immune syndromes are ostensibly mutually exclusive, many patients with subcortical white matter brain lesions share features of both MS and APS. The main diagnostic feature of APS, the antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLAb), is relatively common in multiple sclerosis and increased fibrin deposition is a feature of both APS lesions and MS plaques. A closer examination of the clinical and laboratory data reveals, however, fundamental differences between the syndromes: MS is a diffuse disease of white matter compared to a much more patchy disease in APS as demonstrated by recent studies in imaging and electrophysiology. Furthermore, a closer examination of the specific aPLAb profile reveals significant differences: we have found that although aPLAb were common in MS patients (32%), these antibodies did not depend on the presence of serum factors for binding to phospholipids and none of the MS patients had antibodies to beta2-glycoprotein-I (beta2-GPI), the major autoantigen in APS. Animal models of the two syndromes are induced by very different antigens and may serve to assess overlapping pathogenic mechanisms. The most common treatment used in MS are beta-interferons which theoretically may exacerbate APS, while anticoagulation, the mainstay of APS treatment, is of unknown value in MS. The relationship of MS to APS remains to be clarified by focused large collaborative studies.

Expansion of CD5 - B cells in multiple sclerosis correlates with CD80 (B7-1) expression

The pathogenetic role of autoantibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) is uncertain. CD5+ B cells commonly produce autoantibodies, but CD5 expression has also been implicated in B-cell tolerance. We studied B-cell subsets, anti-myelin protein antibody-secreting cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a panel of serum autoantibodies in patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), suggestive of MS and patients with clinically definite MS (CDMS). Patients with CDMS had a higher percentage of CD5- B cells in CSF than did control subjects (P = 0.02). CIS patients with immunoglobulin G (IgG) oligoclonal bands in CSF or multiple lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had a higher percentage of CD5- B cells in CSF than did the remaining CIS patients (P = 0.03). The percentage of CD5- and CD80+ B cells correlated positively and the percentage of CD5+ B cells correlated negatively with the number of CSF cells secreting anti-myelin basic protein (anti-MBP) antibodies. The prevalence of serum autoantibodies was comparable in the three patient groups. We conclude that intrathecal expansion of CD5- B cells appears to be more characteristic in MS patients, and CD5+ B cells may be associated with a lower prevalence of anti-myelin antibody production.

Immunoserological changes in the cerebro-spinal fluid and serum in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with demyelinating syndrome and multiple sclerosis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of antinuclear and antiphospholipid antibodies in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with demyelinating syndrome and several forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Paired samples of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were investigated using laser nephalometric and enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) methods, and the parameters of intrathecal synthesis were calculated. Elevation of the concentrations of antiribosomal P protein antibodies in the CSF and serum, and intrathecal synthesis anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies were characteristic in all patient groups. The immunoserological changes were more pronounced in the SLE patients. A similar pathogenetic role of antiphospholipid antibodies in central nervous system (CNS) damage in SLE patients with demyelinating syndrome and of MS patients can be assumed.

The neuroimmunology of multiple sclerosis: possible roles of T and B lymphocytes in immunopathogenesis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system white matter. The association of the disease with MHC genes, the inflammatory white matter infiltrates, similarities with animal models, and the observation that MS can be treated with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapies support the hypothesis that autoimmunity plays a major role in the disease pathology. Evidence supports activated CD4+ myelin-reactive T cells as major mediators of the disease. In addition, a renewed interest in the possible contribution of B cells to MS immunopathology has been sparked by nonhuman primate and MS pathological studies. This review focuses on the immunopathology of MS, outlining the hypothetical steps of tolerance breakdown and the molecules that play a role in the migration of autoreactive cells to the CNS. Particular focus is given to autoreactive T cells and cytokines as well as B cells and autoantibodies and their role in CNS pathogenesis in MS.