The Association Between Myokines, Inflammation, and Nutritional Status in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies indicate that in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS)-an inflammatory and degenerative disease of the central nervous system-the biological pathways associated with these effects remain poorly understood. Changes in body weight, whether presenting as overweight or underweight, as well as alterations in adipose and muscle tissue, together with chronic inflammation, may contribute to the disease and influence its course.

OBJECTIVE

This case-control study aimed to measure inflammatory markers and myokine levels (myostatin and irisin), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and IL-6 in the serum of patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy control and assess whether the myokines and cytokines are associated with nutritional status.

METHODS

The study included 92 MS patients and 75 healthy volunteers. Nutritional status was assessed using the NRS (Nutritional Risk Screening) 2002 and GLIM (Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition) criteria. The risks of malnutrition or malnutrition were diagnosed based on ESPEN recommendations. Body composition analysis was performed using the BIA method with the InBody 120 analyzer. Routine laboratory parameters (albumin, lipidogram) were measured. Myostatin, irisin, BDNF, IL-6, and hsCRP were measured using ELISA methods. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistica 13.0 software. Comparisons between the two groups were conducted using Student's -test for normally distributed variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed variables; the differences between groups were calculated using either ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test. Post hoc analysis by the Bonferroni method was applied.

RESULTS

In the MS group, high risks of malnutrition (69.0%) and malnutrition (14.0%) were observed. A statistically significant correlation was found between malnutrition (GLIM) and s-albumin (R = 0.2; < 0.05) and hsCRP (R = 0.23; < 0.05). The MS patient group displayed significantly lower levels of irisin, higher levels of hsCRP, and lower s-albumin compared to healthy volunteers. Malnourished patients with MS exhibited significantly lower irisin levels, as well as higher hsCRP in comparison to MS patients who were at risk or well nourished. The levels of myostatin, BDNF, and IL6 did not differ depending on nutritional status. Irisin correlated with hsCRP (R Spearman = -0.5; = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the interplay between chronic inflammation, nutritional status, and myokines level in multiple sclerosis.