Türk Nöroloji Dergisi (Oct 2007)
Comparison of the Blood Cholesterol Levels With Magnetic Resonance Imaging Activity in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Multipl sclerosis is characterized by the destruction myelin and lipid metabolism occuring in central nervous system. OBJECTIVES: The present study was planned to investigate the relationship between the plasma lipid profile and disease activity in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). METHODS: In 27 RRMS patients, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed monthly, during the 6 months. Within the same day, blood samples were collected and neurological examinations were done. Number of the lesions with contrast enhancement were determined. Levels of the plasma cholesterol, triglceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were measuered. As a control group 18 persons without systemic and neurological disease were choosen. Blood samples were performed once. Comparision was made between the mean cholesterol, triglceride, LDL, HDL levels and, mean number of the lesions with contrast enhancement in MS patients. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the mean cholesterol levels and mean number of the lesions with contrast enhancement in MS patients (p<0.01). The mean low density lipoprotein LDL levels significantly correlated with mean number of the lesions with contrast enhancement in MS patients (p<0.05). Mean cholesterol levels in MS group were found significantly higher than control group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: In this study a correlation was found between the disease activation and total plasma LDL cholesterol level. There was no definitive information about the pathogenetic mechanisms explaining the relationships between the changes of plasma lipid profile and activation of MS disease. Plasma cholesterol and LDL levels may serve as a marker of the activation. This stiuation is probably due to effects of the distruption of the myelin as a result of the activation, on the cholesterol metabolism of central nervous system and so on systemic cholesterol cycle. Further studies with longer duration and more patient numbers are needed to determine whether the plasma cholestrol level is of pratical use in monitoring the disease course
