Frontiers in Immunology (Apr 2022)

Personalized Disease Monitoring in Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis Using the Saliva Free Light Chain Test

  • Esther Ganelin-Cohen,
  • Esther Ganelin-Cohen,
  • Evgeny Tartakovsky,
  • Ely Klepfish,
  • Sizilia Golderman,
  • Ayal Rozenberg,
  • Batia Kaplan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.821499
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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BackgroundDevelopment of new safe methods of monitoring disease activity in the pediatric onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is a challenging task, especially when trying to refrain from frequent MRI usage. In our recent study, the saliva immunoglobulin free light chains (FLC) were suggested as biomarkers to discriminate between remission and active MS in adults.ObjectivesTo assess utility of saliva FLC measurements for monitoring disease activity in POMS.MethodsWe used semiquantitative Western blot analysis to detect immunoreactive FLC monomers and dimers and to calculate the intensity of their bands. Statistical tests included Firth logistic regression analysis suitable for small sample sizes, and Spearman’s non-parametric correlation.ResultsIn naive POMS patients, the saliva levels of FLC in relapse were significantly higher than those in remission. Significant correlation was found between FLC levels (monomers, dimers or both) and the load of enhanced lesions in MRI scans. FLC levels may be reduced under treatment, especially as result of corticosteroids therapy. Follow-up of individual patients showed the correspondence of changes in the FLC levels to MRI findings.ConclusionsOur results show the potential of the non-invasive saliva FLC test, as a new tool for monitoring the disease activity in POMS.

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