Increased plasma levels of mitochondrial DNA and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis

The role of damage-associated molecular patterns in multiple sclerosis (MS) is under investigation. Here, we studied the contribution of circulating high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to neuroinflammation in progressive MS. We measured plasmatic mtDNA, HMGB1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines in 38 secondary progressive (SP) patients, 35 primary progressive (PP) patients and 42 controls. Free mtDNA was higher in SP than PP. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in progressive patients.

Source: Journal of Neuroimmunology - November 6, 2019 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Milena Nasi, Elena Bianchini, Sara De Biasi, Lara Gibellini, Anita Neroni, Marco Mattioli, Marcello Pinti, Anna Iannone, Anna Vittoria Mattioli, Anna Maria Simone, Diana Ferraro, Francesca Vitetta, Patrizia Sola, Andrea Cossarizza Source Type: research