Is There Any Relevance Between Serum Heavy Metal Concentration and BBB Leakage in Multiple Sclerosis Patients?

Sharp increase in multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence rate has been observed in Iranian people. In addition, it has been suggested that increased S100B level may be useful as an indicative factor of blood-brain barrier disruption. The propose of this study was to measuring blood arsenic, lead, and cadmium concentration and serum S100B concentration in a group of healthy and multiple sclerosis patients in Tehran as the most polluted city in Iran. All subjects were interviewed regarding age, medical history, possible chemical exposure, acute or chronic diseases, smoking, and dietary habits. Blood heavy metal level was measured by an atomic absorption spectrometer (Varian model 220-Z) conjugated with a graphite furnace atomizer (GTA-110). Also, a serum S100B protein concentration was determined using a commercial ELISA kit. It was observed that all male subjects had higher blood metal level in comparison with healthy controls. Also, MS patients had higher arsenic and cadmium blood concentration in comparison with healthy individuals. Regarding the S100B concentration, it was observed that it had a significant relationship with smoking habit (P value = 0.0001). In addition, arsenic had a greater correlation (63%) with increased serum S100B biomarker level among other elements. BBB leakage was higher in multiple sclerosis than in healthy subjects due to increased S100B release. In addition with regard to the heavy metal exposure especially arsenic and cadmium, these are associated with an increased BBB disruption and it is possible to play a crucial role as a developing agent of multiple sclerosis.