Patel C, Thomas G, Zomorodi N, Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ. β-endorphin and opioid growth factor as biomarkers of physical ability in multiple sclerosis.
Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021;
50:102868. [PMID:
33677409 DOI:
10.1016/j.msard.2021.102868]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune-mediated degenerative disorder with increased peripheral inflammation disrupting the blood brain barrier. With increasing MS-related healthcare costs, the requirement to validate minimally invasive biomarkers has become imperative.
METHODS
Relapsing-remitting MS patients on disease modifying therapies were consented at the Penn State Health MS Clinic to provide blood samples for analyses of serum cytokines and endogenous opioid peptides, as well as to complete the MSQOL-54 survey.
RESULTS
Serum OGF levels in MS patients on glatiramer acetate (mean = 326 pg/ml), dimethyl fumarate (mean = 193.3 pg/ml) and natalizumab (mean = 393.4 pg/ml) were significantly elevated (p < 0.01) compared to healthy controls (mean = 98.46 pg/ml). Individuals with elevated OGF levels also had increased levels of TNFα (r = 0.78) and IL-17A (r = 0.81). Only patients treated with glatiramer acetate had significant (p < 0.01) elevations in serum β-endorphin levels. Analyses of MS-QoL 54 data showed no significant differences in physical or mental composite scores between treatment groups. However, serum levels of β-endorphin had a direct correlation with physical health composite score (r = 0.70) in all treatments. Serum vitamin D levels had an indirect relationship with 25-foot walk test times (r = 0.47).
CONCLUSION
Both regression and cohort data suggest that serum levels of OGF, β-endorphin, and vitamin D are potential biomarkers for physical disease status in MS.
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