Lower serum threonine and glutamine levels could be a predictor for multiple sclerosis in pregnancy.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. Recently, research has highlighted the significance of biochemical evaluation of metabolic pathways and circulating amino acids beyond their fundamental role as protein building blocks. They also function as key modulators of the immune system, neurotransmission, collagen synthesis, metabolic and regenerative pathways, which may influence disease progression. We hypothesized that a disturbed amino acid profile could be used as a biomarker for MS in pregnancy. Amino acid profiles of pregnant women diagnosed with MS and healthy pregnant women were evaluated. MS diagnosis is done according to the McDonald criteria. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to evaluate MS patients. The medications used by pregnant women with MS for their disease were recorded. During the pregnancy period, none of them used a drug regimen. Progressive MS forms and EDSS > 3,5 were excluded from the study. Amino acid levels of MS patients were found to be different from healthy pregnant women. Excitatory amino acid levels were found to increase in MS patients. Glutamine and threonine levels are found to be decreased in MS pregnant women. Also, amino acids that take part in collagen synthesis are found to be different. Glutamic acid, histidine, asparagine, aspartate, proline, serine, ornithine, threonine, and tryptophan levels and citrulline/ornithine ratios are found to be significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that amino acid profiles could be potential biomarkers for early detection and new therapeutic targets for MS.