Multi-omics profiling reveals peripheral blood biomarkers of multiple sclerosis: implications for diagnosis and stratification.

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by demyelination in the central nervous system, is exceptionally uncommon in China, and remains poorly understood in terms of its peripheral blood manifestations.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study comprising 39 MS patients and 40 normal controls (NC). High-dimensional mass cytometry, protein arrays, and targeted metabolomics were utilized to profile immune subsets, proteins, and metabolites in blood. Differences in multi-omics signatures were scrutinized across varying MS subtypes.

RESULTS

Immune profiling demonstrated an elevation in various B cell subsets and monocytes, alongside a reduction in dendritic cells among MS patients. Proteomic data revealed a downregulation in neurotrophic and tissue repair proteins. Metabolomic assessment showed a noted decrease in anti-inflammatory molecules and sphingolipids. Integrated analysis identified distinct molecular patterns distinguishing MS from controls. Additionally, multi-omics differences among different MS subtypes were uncovered. Notably, hippuric acid levels was consistently lower in MS subgroups with greater disease severity.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the pioneering exploration of multi-omics in Chinese MS patients, presenting a comprehensive view of the peripheral blood changes in MS. Our study underscores the robust capability of multi-omics assessments in identifying peripheral blood biomarkers that delineate the varied clinical presentation, and facilitates future development of biomarkers and targeted therapeutic interventions in MS.