Investigation of the prognostic value of adipokines in multiple sclerosis

Background: Adipokines may be involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as other inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to analyze the value of serum adipokine levels as biomarkers in determining the clinical progression of MS. Methods: A total of 90 subjects including 40 healthy individuals and 50 MS patients [24 with classical clinical course of MS (C-MS), 26 with benign MS (B-MS)] were recruited for this study. The levels of serum adipokines and inflammatory mediators were measured using immunoassay methods. Results: The levels of adiponectin, MCP-1, TNF-alpha and IL-6 were significantly higher in C-MS patients compared with B-MS patients and healthy controls. Only adiponectin and MCP-1 levels remained significantly high after Bonferroni correction. Adiponectin, MCP-1 and TNF-alpha levels showed a modest correlation with expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores, which disappeared after Bonferroni correction. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the potential role of adipokines in pathogenesis and clinical progression of MS. Adiponectin and MCP-1 might potentially serve as prognostic biomarkers in MS.