IL-2, IL-6 and chitinase 3-like 2 might predict early relapse activity in multiple sclerosis

PLoS One. 2022 Jun 27;17(6):e0270607. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270607. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: The possibility to better predict the severity of the disease in a patient newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis would allow the treatment strategy to be personalized and lead to better clinical outcomes. Prognostic biomarkers are highly needed.

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of intrathecal IgM synthesis, cerebrospinal fluid and serum IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, chitinase 3-like 2 and neurofilament heavy chains obtained early after the onset of the disease.

Methods: 58 patients after the first manifestation of multiple sclerosis were included. After the initial diagnostic assessment including serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, all patients initiated therapy with either glatiramer acetate, teriflunomide, or interferon beta. To assess the evolution of the disease, we followed the patients clinically and with MRI for two years.

Results: The IL-2:IL-6 ratio (both in cerebrospinal fluid) <0.48 (p = 0.0028), IL-2 in cerebrospinal fluid ≥1.23pg/ml (p = 0.026), and chitinase 3-like 2 in cerebrospinal fluid ≥7900pg/ml (p = 0.033), as well as baseline EDSS ≥1.5 (p = 0.0481) and age <22 (p = 0.0312), proved to be independent markers associated with shorter relapse free intervals.

Conclusion: The IL-2:IL-6 ratio, IL-2, and chitinase 3-like 2 (all in cerebrospinal fluid) might be of value as prognostic biomarkers in early phases of multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Chitinases / metabolism*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-2 / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-6 / metabolism*
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Recurrence

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • IL2 protein, human
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-6
  • CHI3L2 protein, human
  • Chitinases

Grants and funding

The study was supported by the Charles University Grant Agency (GA UK), project No. 470119. Concerning this GA UK project, MP was the principal researcher, PM the supervisor and JL, HM, JH, ME, and SK co-researchers. More info about GA UK available at: https://cuni.cz/UKEN-753.html. The publication fee will be paid by the Motol University Hospital, V Úvalu 84, 150 06 Praha 5, Czech Republic, Identification Number (IČ): 00064203, Tax Identification Number (DIČ): CZ00064203. More info about the Motol University Hospital available at: https://www.fnmotol.cz/en/contact111/index.html. Neither the GA UK, nor the Motol University Hospital had any role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.