Alteration in lipid profile in multiple sclerosis patients - a preliminary study

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to analyse changes in the lipid profile in the blood of multiple sclerosis patients in relation to disability. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, affecting mostly young adults. The pathogenesis is still unclear. Some studies provide evidence that alteration in the lipid profile in multiple sclerosis is associated with clinical deterioration and disability. It still need to be clarified if these changes are caused by chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis or they are part of the pathogenetic mechanism. Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied the lipoprotein profile (total cholesterol level, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) in 27 patients with the diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The age of the patients ranged between 26 and 60 years. Neurological disability was assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The control group consisted of 12 subjects hospitalised because of a tension-type headache. Results: We observed a significantly increased level of total cholesterol, HDL, and a decreased level of triglycerides in multiple sclerosis patients compared to the control group. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between the LDL level and EDSS score of multiple sclerosis patients (p < 0.05). We did not observe any correlation between total cholesterol, triglycerides or the HDL level and EDSS score of multiple sclerosis patients. Conclusion: An increased lipid concentration in blood is present in multiple sclerosis patients and may correlate with disease activity.