beta2-microglobulin serum level is not a marker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis.
Beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG) is a pharmacodynamic marker of interferon-beta activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). Its role in the natural course of the disease is not fully known. We analyzed the spontaneous fluctuation of beta2-MG in free-treatment MS patients during a short-time course to quantify beta2-MG as a marker of disease activity/progression. Thirty MS patients were clinically assessed and imaged monthly over a 3-month period. Sera were collected concomitantly for the evaluation of beta2-MG, by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sera from 20 healthy individuals (HI) were drawn and used as controls. The Mann-Whitney test was used when appropriate and time effect on radiological and biological measures was assessed by means of the random effect models. Eight (26.7%) patients experienced a clinical relapse but three (10%) required steroid treatment. A reduction in the contrast-enhancing lesion load (P = 0.02) and a trend (P = 0.07) toward a decrease in brain parenchyma fraction were observed. Baseline levels of beta2-MG were similar in patients and HI. Patients' beta2-MG values increased over the 3-month time period (P = 0.05) but did not exceed those detected in HI at any time point. These results failed to demonstrate the validity of beta2-MG as a surrogate marker of disease in MS.
Bagnato
F
F
Department of Neurological Sciences, University La Sapienza, Rome. francesca.bagnato@uniroma1.it
Zivadinov
R
R
Cecchinelli
D
D
Tancredi
A
A
Grop
A
A
Pierallini
A
A
De Lena
C
C
Prencipe
M
M
Reale
G
G
Zorzon
M
M
Millefiorini
E
E
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000097:blood*
D015415:Biomarkers; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin