DIAGNOSIS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND OTHER DEMYELINATING DISEASES
A method of diagnosing multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases or predicting a predisposition to multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases. The method utilizes detection of increased amounts of memory lymphocytes reacting to MS antigens, proinflammatory cytokines, and antibodies against MS antigens.
1 . A method for diagnosing the likelihood and severity of multiple sclerosis in a patient, comprising the steps of:
a) determining a level of antibodies against α-B-crystallin in a sample from the patient;
b) comparing the level of antibodies determined in step a) with a normal level of the antibodies in control patients;
c) determining an amount of neuronal α-B-crystallin-specific activated T-cells or neuronal-specific memory lymphocytes in a sample from the patient;
d) obtaining a stimulation index from step c); and
e) comparing the stimulation index from step d) with a normal stimulation index, wherein:
(i) a normal level or lower than normal level of both stimulation index and antibodies for said α-B-crystallin indicate control patient conditions;
(ii) higher than normal levels of either stimulation index or antibodies for said α-B-crystallin indicate a possibility of multiple sclerosis; and
(iii) higher than normal levels of both stimulation index and antibodies for said α-B-crystallin indicate a likelihood of multiple sclerosis.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the normal level of antibodies is calculated by taking a mean of levels of antibodies in individuals without symptoms relating to multiple sclerosis.
3 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the higher than normal level of antibodies is higher than about two standard deviations of normal level of antibodies of a control group.
4 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein determining the level of antibodies in any or all of steps a) and b) is accomplished using an immunoassay.
5 . The method according to claim 4 , wherein the immunoassay is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
6 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the antibodies are selected from the group consisting of IgG, IgA, and IgM.
7 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the normal stimulation index is calculated by taking a mean of stimulation indices in individuals without symptoms relating to multiple sclerosis.
8 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the higher than normal stimulation index is higher than about two standard deviations of normal stimulation index of a control group.
9 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the T-cells are antigen-specific CD3 activated T-cells.
10 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of obtaining a clinical test result selected from the group consisting of MRI, evoked response, and cerebrospinal fluid.
11 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of obtaining at least two clinical test results selected from the group consisting of MRI, evoked response, and cerebrospinal fluid.
12 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of obtaining clinical test results of MRI, evoked response, and cerebrospinal fluid.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the diagnosis is made according to Table 2.