McLaughlin leads research on identifying minimally invasive biomarkers for multiple sclerosis

A study led by Patricia McLaughlin, professor of neural and behavior sciences at Penn State College of Medicine, may show a new way to monitor the progression and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). It showed new, less invasive biomarkers ­– statistical indicators used to measure the presence and severity of a disease. Experimental Biology and Medicine published an article about the study in its Jan. 7 issue.

McLaughlin and the research team focused on serum cytokines – pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling proteins – that were related to inflammatory activity. The expression of these cytokines changed during the progression of MS.

The study is part of continuing research examining minimally invasive biomarkers related to the cause and progression of MS.

The research team also found that the use of opioid growth factor and low-dose naltrexone helped normalize serum levels for the cytokines being monitored for responsiveness to treatment.

“This seminal discovery of dysregulation in opioid growth factor expression in MS patients and animal models is very exciting and could lead to prognostic biomarkers for this autoimmune disorder,” said Dr. Steven Goodman, editor-in-chief of Experimental Biology & Medicine.

Read more about the study online.

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