Abnormal protein patterns in multiple sclerosis

Elevated Phospholipid Transfer Protein in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis

An anomaly in the plasma proteins of patients with multiple sclerosis detectable on SDS-PAGE has been reported. The molecular weight of the anomaly was the same as the phospholipid transfer protein. A metabolic protein was involved in lipid homeostasis and remodeling of the high density lipoproteins. We have identified the anomaly as the phospholipid transfer protein by western blot using antiphospholipid transfer antibodies. Activity assays showed that the phospholipid transfer activity was elevated in fasted plasma samples from subjects with MS compared to controls. Sequence analysis of the gene encoding the phospholipid transfer protein did not identify any mutations in the genetic structure, suggesting that the increase in activity was not due to structural changes in the protein, but may be due to one of the other proteins with which it forms active complexes. Altered phospholipid transfer activity is important because it could be implicated in the decreased lipid uptake and abnormal myelin lipids observed in multiple sclerosis. It has been shown that alteration in myelin lipid content is an epitope for autoimmunity. Therefore, lipid changes due to a defect in phospholipid transfer and/or uptake could potentially influence the course of the disease. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of the phospholipid transfer protein in subjects with multiple sclerosis.

Abnormalities of serum and plasma components in patients with multiple sclerosis

Qualitative and quantitative abnormalities in protein and non-protein components of serum and plasma in patients with multiple sclerosis have been the subjects of numerous reports. In this review many of the more recent observations are documented and evaluated. It is concluded that at present the welter of information that has been gathered does not contribute in any major, coherent way to our understanding of the etiology or pathogenesis of the disorder. Several of the abnormalities that have been observed may be future candidates for biochemical markers for multiple sclerosis; at present none is sufficiently reliable, distinctive or easily performed to warrant the status of a useful diagnostic or prognostic test.