Cerebral Spinal Fluid levels of Cytokines are elevated in Patients with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

Kathryn A. Thibert, Gerald V. Raymond, Jakub Tolar, Weston P. Miller, Paul J. Orchard, Troy C. Lund

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25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disease resulting from a deficiency of arylsulfatase A causing an accumulation of cerebroside sulfate, a lipid normally abundant in myelin. Sulfatide accumulation is associated with progressive demyelination and a clinical presentation in severe disease forms that is dominated by motor manifestations. Cerebral inflammation may contribute to the pathophysiology of MLD. To date, cytokine levels in the cerebral spinal fluid of MLD patients have not previously been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the CSF of patients with MLD and to compare these levels to unaffected controls. Of 22 cytokines evaluated, we documented significant elevations of MCP-1, IL-1Ra, IL-8, MIP-1b and VEGF in the MLD patients compared to unaffected controls. The elevated cytokines identified in this study may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of MLD. Better understanding of the inflammatory and neurodegenerative process of MLD may lead to improved targeted therapies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number24579
JournalScientific reports
Volume6
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 15 2016

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Research was supported in part by the Children's Cancer Research Fund. We acknowledge the University of Minnesota Cytokine Reference Laboratory for their assistance.

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