To evaluate the levels of apelin and ghrelin in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) receiving natalizumab and fingolimod compared to healthy controls.
Key Findings:
Natalizumab-treated patients had significantly higher apelin levels (p=0.0063).
Fingolimod-treated patients had significantly higher ghrelin levels (p=0.0035).
All women treated with natalizumab and fingolimod had higher apelin levels than healthy women (p=0.025).
In women with MS, ghrelin levels increased with disease duration (p=0.045, R = 0.357).
Apelin levels positively correlated with BMI in the fingolimod-treated group (p=0.001, R = 0.694).
Interpretation:
The findings suggest a potential association between immunomodulatory treatment, metabolic factors, and peptide hormone regulation in MS.
Limitations:
Small sample size may limit generalizability and statistical power.
Cross-sectional design does not establish causality, necessitating further longitudinal studies.
Conclusion:
Differences in serum apelin and ghrelin levels between RRMS patients and healthy controls indicate a potential link to immunomodulatory treatment and metabolic dysregulation, warranting further investigation.
