Cerebrospinal fluid levels of soluble amyloid precursor protein and β-amyloid 42 in patients with multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and clinically isolated syndrome

Abstract

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulation in axonal ovoids is a sensitive marker for acute axonal injury in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. This study measured levels of α-cleaved soluble APP (αsAPP) and β-amyloid 42 (Aβ42) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 42 MS, 10 neuromyelitis optica and 25 clinically isolated syndrome patients and 21 healthy controls, and analysed the correlation between asAPP and Ab42 levels and relevant clinical parameters. The CSF concentrations of asAPP and Aβ42 in patients and controls were not significantly different. There was a significant inverse correlation in patients between CSF αsAPP concentration and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), but no significant correlation between CSF Aβ42 concentration and EDSS. The concentration of asAPP in the CSF of statin-treated patients was significantly higher than in those not treated with statins, suggesting that statins may have a neuroprotective effect. In conclusion, αsAPP was present at similar levels in the CSF of patients with neuromyelitis optica, MS and clinically isolated syndrome and healthy controls, and an inverse correlation existed between CSF αsAPP concentration and neurological disability. © 2011 Field House Publishing LLP.