Objective: To search for biomarkers of neurodegenerative process in Parkinson’s disease (PD).There is emerging evidence that humoral response may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of different neurodegenerative disorders, including PD. In this study we assessed the presence of humoral response against one glial derived antigen- myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) in PD patients.

Background: Identification of disease-specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers which would allow for an early detection and follow up of PD patients would be important. We hypothesized that in PD the immune response may not only be directed against antigens typically present in dopaminergic neurons but may be a more widespread process directed against antigens of glial cells. Recently, we confirmed the presence of adaptive humoral immune response against different glial derived antigens in PD. In our previous studies we have found significantly higher IgG and IgM autoantibodies titers against MAG in a small group of PD patients. The aim of the present study was to assess humoral response against myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) on a larger group of PD patients (n=66) and also in relation to disease severity and disease duration.

Methods: IgM autoantibodies against myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) were measured by a commercially available ELISA system in 66 PD patients and 66 healthy control subjects. We excluded subjects infections, blood transfusions and treated with any immunomodulatory drug 3 months prior to the study inclusion.

Results: The study confirmed significantly increased production of anti-MAG IgM antibodies in Parkinsonian patients in comparison to healthy subjects (p<0.05). The antibodies titers were not correlated with stage of PD measured on Hoehn-Yahr scale, MMSE, disease duration or age of PD onset.

Conclusions: Results of our study provide the evidence of activation of humoral response against glial derived protein in PD, which may indirectly reflect oligodendroglial degeneration under in vivo conditions. Ath the same time, our results argue against the utility of anti-MAG as biomarkers of PD progression or disease severity. Further prospective studies should focus on assessment of the role of anti-MAG antibodies as a preclinical biomarker of PD and also as a biomarker of PD in relation to different other neurodegenerative disorders.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/increased-anti-mag-autoantibodies-titers-in-parkinsons-disease/