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Review
. 2020 Aug 21;21(17):6020.
doi: 10.3390/ijms21176020.

Molecular Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Related Disorders: A Critical Review

Maryam Gul  1 , Amirhossein Azari Jafari  2 , Muffaqam Shah  3 , Seyyedmohammadsadeq Mirmoeeni  2 , Safee Ullah Haider  4 , Sadia Moinuddin  5 , Ammar Chaudhry  6
Affiliations
Review

Molecular Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis and Its Related Disorders: A Critical Review

Maryam Gul et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS) which can lead to severe disability. Several diseases can mimic the clinical manifestations of MS. This can often lead to a prolonged period that involves numerous tests and investigations before a definitive diagnosis is reached. As well as the possibility of misdiagnosis. Molecular biomarkers can play a unique role in this regard. Molecular biomarkers offer a unique view into the CNS disorders. They help us understand the pathophysiology of disease as well as guiding our diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic approaches in CNS disorders. This review highlights the most prominent molecular biomarkers found in the literature with respect to MS and its related disorders. Based on numerous recent clinical and experimental studies, we demonstrate that several molecular biomarkers could very well aid us in differentiating MS from its related disorders. The implications of this work will hopefully serve clinicians and researchers alike, who regularly deal with MS and its related disorders.

Keywords: MS; biomarker; differential diagnosis; mimics; molecular; multiple sclerosis; pathophysiology; prognosis; treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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