Serum CXCL5 as a biomarker in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

Abstract

Objective: Our aim was to determine whether serum C-X-C motif chemokine 5 (CXCL5) may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) as well as a marker that can be used to predict treatment response.

Methods: CXCL5 levels were measured by ELISA in sera of 20 RRMS patients under fingolimod treatment, 10 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients, 15 RRMS patients presenting predominantly with spinal cord and optic nerve attacks (MS-SCON), and 14 healthy controls.

Results: Fingolimod treatment significantly reduced CXCL5 levels. CXCL5 levels were comparable among NMOSD and MS-SCON patients.

Conclusion: Fingolimod might regulate the innate immune system. Serum CXCL5 measurement does not differentiate between RRMS and NMOSD.

Keywords: C-X-C motif chemokine 5; fingolimod; multiple sclerosis; neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Figure 1

Serum CXCL5 levels of NMOSD, MS-SCON, and HC groups. CXCL5: C-X-C motif chemokine 5, NMOSD: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, MS-SCON: MS presenting predominantly with spinal cord and optic nerve attacks, HC: Healthy controls. Statistical comparison was done with ANOVA (p=0.03) and Tukey’s post-hoc test (p=0.01, p=0.04). P<0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Bars indicate standard deviations and horizontal lines indicate mean values.

Figure 2

Serum CXCL5 levels of RRMS patients before (0M) and 3 months (3M) after fingolimod treatment. Statistical comparison was done with Student’s t-test. P<0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Open circles represent drug unresponsive patient.