Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is caused by the attack of the patient’s immune system on the coating of nerve fibers (myelin) in the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord). We also know that the nerve fibers themselves can be damaged, which causes even greater disability.
Researchers have identified a molecule in the spinal fluid that is associated with more aggressive disease, leading to faster progression of MS-related disability. This is a breakthrough in the treatment of MS patients as there are many different treatment options. As a general rule, the more effective the medication, the greater the potential adverse effects. By measuring the amount of this molecule in the spinal fluid at the time of diagnosis, physicians can choose the most appropriate medication for individual MS patients.
The molecule is called CHIT1 and is produced by a subtype of cells (microglia) in the brain and spinal cord. CHIT1 is present in MS brain lesions.
The greater the advances in detection, prediction of disability and in treatment, the more important it is to make the diagnosis of MS earlier. BeCare Neuro Link and BeCare MS Link can help screen for and monitor the neurologic deficits associated with MS. Patients can use the results to determine if further neurologic evaluation is necessary and Physicians can monitor the efficacy of the treatments they are using in their patients with OBJECTIVE and QUANTITATIVE data collected REMOTELY.
Reference:
“CHIT1 at diagnosis predicts faster disability progression and reflects early microglial activation in multiple sclerosis” by Jarne Beliën, Stijn Swinnen, Robbe D’hondt, Laia Verdú de Juan, Nina Dedoncker, Patrick Matthys, Jan Bauer, Celine Vens, Sinéad Moylett & Bénédicte Dubois I published in Nature Communications (2024;15:5013).