Serum and Saliva Myelin Basic Protein as Multiple Sclerosis Biomarker

Abstract

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered as motor and sensory function loss, which results from demyelination and following axonal lesion. As Myelin basic protein (MBP) is one of the key elements of the myelin cover, we examined the level of MBP in serum, stimulated and unstimulated saliva as a suitable biomarker for detecting of MS. Methods: A case–control study was performed in 29 healthy women and 32 definitive relapsing-remitting MS patients who were hospitalized in Imam Reza hospital, Tehran, Iran. MBP level was assayed in serum and stimulated and unstimulated whole saliva. Results: MBP was expressed at a lower level in serum and stimulated saliva of MS patients compared to control groups. The serum MBP level had a considerable correlation with its stimulated saliva level. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed significantly diagnostic abilities for MBP to discrimination MS patients with serum and stimulated saliva from controls. Conclusions: Serum and saliva level of MBP is lower in MS and it may be considered as a potential biomarker in Multiple sclerosis.