BackgroundInflammatory and neurodegenerative processes are hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS). The synthesis of the major stress-inducible heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is induced by inflammation.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to determine whether Hsp70 in serum can serve as a potential biomarker to distinguish inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes in MS.MethodsSerum was obtained from 94 patients: 26 clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), 40 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), 19 secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and nine primary progressive MS (PPMS). As controls, serum samples were collected from patients with non-inflammatory neurological diseases (NINDs, n = 41), other inflammatory neurological diseases (OINDs, n = 28) and healthy donors (HDs, n = 114). Serum levels of Hsp70 were quantified using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detecting free and liposomal Hsp70 (lipHsp70 ELISA).ResultsPatients with MS displayed significantly higher Hsp70 serum levels than HDs (p < 0.001) and significantly lower levels than OINDs (p = 0.001). A subgroup analysis revealed that Hsp70 serum levels of CIS/RRMS patients are significantly higher than those of patients with progressive MS (SPMS/PPMS) (p < 0.05).ConclusionInflammation causes the release of Hsp70 into the blood. As CIS/RRMS are associated with higher Hsp70 serum levels than progressive MS, serum Hsp70 levels might provide a marker for inflammatory processes.
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