Elevation of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome

Neurology. 2013 Mar 12;80(11):997-1002. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182872694. Epub 2013 Feb 13.

Abstract

Objective: This study explores a large panel of cytokines in plasma and CSF of patients with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) at different ages, in order to establish signatures of cytokines most predictive of AGS.

Methods: Plasma from 22 subjects with known mutations were assayed for cytokines using the Milliplex MAP Immunobead system, and compared to results from 8 age-matched normal controls. CSF of 11 additional patients with mutation-proven AGS was tested in an identical manner and compared to results from age-matched controls. Samples were banked and analysis was carried out retrospectively.

Results: Significant elevations were seen in FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, IP-10, interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-15, tumor necrosis factor α, and soluble IL 2 receptor α in both AGS patient plasma and CSF relative to controls. Additionally, this cytokine signature was able to correctly cluster 9 of 11 AGS cases based on CSF values. While most cytokines decreased exponentially with age, a subgroup including IP-10 demonstrated persistent elevation beyond early childhood.

Conclusion: Patients with AGS exhibit plasma and CSF elevations of proinflammatory cytokines. Selected cytokines remain persistently elevated beyond the initial disease phase. This panel of proinflammatory cytokines may be considered for use as diagnostic and therapeutic markers of disease, and may permit improved understanding of disease pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / blood
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System / pathology*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biomarkers / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis*
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Cytokines / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood
  • Inflammation Mediators / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Nervous System Malformations / blood
  • Nervous System Malformations / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Nervous System Malformations / pathology*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators

Supplementary concepts

  • Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome