Increased plasma levels of pentraxin 3 in patients with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO) are immune-mediated inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. In the acute phase of these diseases, secondary ischemia due to inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction may be an important pathological change. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a pro-inflammatory protein and a novel biomarker of inflammatory vascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether PTX3 levels are elevated in MS and NMO patients. METHODS: The concentrations of plasma PTX3 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 22 MS patients, 26 NMO patients, 15 acute cerebral infarction (CI) patients, 11 mild headache patients, and 14 volunteer controls. RESULTS: During relapse, plasma PTX3 levels were higher in MS patients than in headache patients (p=0.003) and controls (p<0.001). Plasma PTX3 levels were also increased in NMO patients compared with CI patients (p=0.011), headache patients (p<0.001) and controls (p<0.001). CI patients showed elevated PTX3 levels compared with controls (p=0.008). MS and NMO patients showed a trend toward an increased disease disability with higher plasma PTX3 during relapse (MS: p=0.005; NMO: p<0.001). Plasma PTX3 levels were remarkably lower in remission than in the relapse stage (MS: p<0.001; NMO: p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Plasma PTX3 level is associated with inflammatory responses in MS and NMO.