Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Tau Protein Levels in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background - Tau protein is present in the microtubules of axons. Markers of various types have been used to demonstrate multiple sclerosis (MS) activity and axonal damage. This study aimed to demonstrate the association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau protein concentrations and clinical prognosis in MS patients. Methods - We included 45 patients that were diagnosed according to the McDonald's criteria. The control group was made up of 38 patients that had no signs or symptoms related to the primary central nervous system lesion correlated with the patient group. CSF total tau protein was measured using the ELISA method based on the sandwich method with Innogenetics Innotest hTau antigen kit in pg/ml type. Results - In the patient group, the mean CSF total tau protein level was 238.66 ± 237.44, whereas it was 93.65 ± 82.14 in the control group. The mean total tau protein was higher in the three clinical forms when compared with the control group and it was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions - High tau protein level may be an early marker of axonal damage and this marker may be used for monitoring axon preventing therapies in the follow-up. © 2007 The Authors.