Normal plasma antithrombin activity in patients with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by multifocal areas of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Activation of coagulation factors and fibrin deposition are observed around CNS blood vessels in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS. Antithrombin (AT) is a potent anticoagulant with remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, and its inhibitory effects on coagulation and inflammation may play a role in the pathogenesis and clinical course of MS. We studied the association between plasma AT activity and clinical forms of MS.


METHODS
A total of 69 patients, 37 with relapsing-remitting and 32 with secondary progressive MS, were included in the study. A control group (CG) of 34 normal subjects was also studied. Plasma AT activity (Stachrom ATIII) was quantified using a chromogenic activity assay with normal reference values ranging from 70% to 120% of AT activity.


RESULTS
We found no difference between plasma AT levels in patients and those in CG. We also found no association of AT levels with activity of disease, duration of disease progression, level of neurological disability, and treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
We found no association between plasma AT activity and RRMS or SPMS. It remains to be studied whether exists or not an association between abnormal plasma AT activity and other MS forms.
Campos-de-Magalhães
Marilza
M
Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. marilzacm@terra.com.br
de Almeida
Adilson José
AJ
Papaiz-Alvarenga
Regina Maria
RM
Gadelha
Telma
T
Morais-de-Sá
Carlos Alberto
CA
Alves-Leon
Soniza Vieira
SV
D000328:Adult; D000991:Antithrombins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020528:Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology; D012016:Reference Values; D013917:Thrombin / Q000378:metabolism
D000991:Antithrombins; D013917:Thrombin